Body Size Research Articles

Archaeological evidence of resource utilisation of walrus, Odobenus rosmarus, over the past two millennia: A systematic review protocol

The walrus, Odobenus rosmarus, is an iconic pinniped and predominant molluscivore that is well adapted to Arctic and subarctic environments. Its circumpolar distribution, large body size and ivory tusks facilitated its vital role as food, raw material (for tools and art), income, and cultural influence on many Arctic Indigenous communities for millennia. Intensification of hunting (often due to the arrival of Europeans, especially between the 16th and 19th centuries) to obtain ivory, hide, blubber and meat, resulted in diminished, sometimes extirpated, walrus populations. Zooarchaeological, artefactual and documentary evidence of walrus material has been collated at local and regional scales and is frequently focused on a specific culture or period of time. Systematic collation of this evidence across the Northern Hemisphere will provide insight into the chronology and circumpolar distribution of walrus hunting and provide a tool to document societal change in walrus resource use. Here, we lay out a systematic review protocol to collate records of archaeological walrus artefacts, tusks and bones that have been documented primarily within published literature to archive when and where (as feasible) walrus extractions occurred between 1 CE and 2000 CE. These data will be openly available for the scientific community. The resulting dataset will be the first to provide spatiotemporal information (including the recognition of knowledge gaps) regarding past walrus populations and extirpations on a circumpolar scale. Our protocol is published to ensure reproducibility and comparability in the future, and to encourage the adoption of systematic review methodology (including pre-published protocols) in archaeology.

Biotic and abiotic factors and the phylogenetic structure of extinction in the evolution of Tethysuchia

Abstract Crocodylomorpha is a large and diverse clade with a long evolutionary history now restricted to modern crocodilians. Tethysuchia is a less-inclusive clade of semi-amphibious taxa that crossed two biological crises: the second Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE 2) and the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) crisis. Numerous studies have sought to find the driving factors explaining crocodylomorph evolution, producing contradictory conclusions. Studies of included groups may be useful. Here, we study factors driving tethysuchian evolution using phylogenetically informed statistical analyses. First, we tested the phylogenetic structure of tethysuchian extinction at the OAE 2 and K/Pg crises. We then used phylogenetic comparative methods to test the influence of intrinsic (body size, snout proportion) and extrinsic (temperature, paleolatitude) factors on the evolution of tethysuchian diversity at the OAE 2 and the K/Pg crises. Finally, we tested whether temperature influenced the evolution of body size. We conclude that (1) extinction was not random in regard to phylogeny for Tethysuchia at the OAE 2 and K/Pg crises; (2) while an important tethysuchian turnover follows OAE 2, the K/Pg crisis was followed by an explosion in diversity of tethysuchians, probably linked to the colonization of emptied ecological niches; (3) tethysuchians lived in warmer environments after the OAE 2 crisis, possibly because of both global warming and latitudinal distribution shifts; (4) there is a significant change of snout proportion after the OAE 2 and the K/Pg crises, likely caused by niche partitioning; and (5) there is a positive correlation between body size and temperature, possibly because of a longer growth season.

Two new nocturnal species of South Asian Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) of the wynadensis clade from the southern Western Ghats, India

We describe two new medium-bodied, nocturnal species of South Asian Cnemaspis from the southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India in an integrative taxonomic framework. The two new species are phylogenetically and morphologically allied to the wynadensis clade and can be distinguished from other species of the wynadensis clade and each other by a combination of nonoverlapping morphological characters including body size, homogeneous dorsal pholidosis, the number of femoral pores and poreless scales separating these series, the number of ventral scales across the midbody and longitudinal scales from mental to cloaca, the number of dorsal granules around the body; and an uncorrected pairwise ND2 sequence divergence of 8.2–22.9 % (16S 4.2–12.2 %) from all other members in the clade. These are the first members of the wynadensis clade known from south of the Palghat Gap apart from C. bireticulata, a putative junior synonym of C. sisparensis that is likely to be distinct owing to morphological differences and geographic distance. Cnemaspis sanctus sp. nov. is from low coastal hills in Kanyakumari District at the southern tip of the Western Ghats and Cnemaspis persephone sp. nov. is from the Anaimalais, Anaimalai Tiger Reserve. Many more undescribed species of the wynadensis clade and South Asian Cnemaspis are likely to be found across the southern Western Ghats.

Characterization of sound production by the pot-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) during feeding.

Sound production during feeding by the pot-bellied seahorse, Hippocampus abdominalis, was quantified with an observation of clicks (acoustic signal) and snicks (visual behavior). Female, male, and juvenile seahorses had feeding sounds characterized for peak (dominant) frequency (Hz), sound pressure level (SPL), and duration (ms). Subject body size and condition was estimated by standard length (SL, cm), to determine an estimate of body condition index (BCI). An inverse correlation between mean peak frequency (Hz) of clicks and SL was found for females. A negative correlation between peak frequency (Hz) of clicks and a residual BCI was determined for both males and females, suggesting that acoustic signals may contain information regarding fitness.

Impact of grassland degradation on soil multifunctionality: Linking to protozoan network complexity and stability

Soil protozoa, as predators of microbial communities, profoundly influence multifunctionality of soils. Understanding the relationship between soil protozoa and soil multifunctionality (SMF) is crucial to unraveling the driving mechanisms of SMF. However, this relationship remains unclear, particularly in grassland ecosystems that are experiencing degradation. By employing 18S rRNA gene sequencing and network analysis, we examined the diversity, composition, and network patterns of the soil protozoan community along a well-characterized gradient of grassland degradation at four alpine sites, including two alpine meadows (Cuona and Jiuzhi) and two alpine steppes (Shuanghu and Gonghe) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Our findings showed that grassland degradation decreased SMF for 1–2 times in all four sites but increased soil protozoan diversity (Shannon index) for 13.82–298.01 % in alpine steppes. Grassland degradation-induced changes in soil protozoan composition, particularly to the Intramacronucleata with a large body size, were consistently observed across all four sites. The enhancing network complexity (average degree), stability (robustness), and cooperative relationships (positive correlation) are the responses of protozoa to grassland degradation. Further analyses revealed that the increased network complexity and stability led to a decrease in SMF by affecting microbial biomass. Overall, protozoa increase their diversity and strengthen their cooperative relationships to resist grassland degradation, and emphasize the critical role of protozoan network complexity and stability in regulating SMF. Therefore, not only protozoan diversity and composition but also their interactions should be considered in evaluating SMF responses to grassland degradation, which has important implications for predicting changes in soil function under future scenarios of anthropogenic change.

Variation in reproductive traits associated with different host plants in the subsocial bug Elasmucha putoni (Hemiptera: Acanthosomatidae)

ABSTRACTHost plants are an important selective factor for the evolution of reproductive traits in herbivorous insects. Among different host plants, offspring will be exposed to different environmental conditions, and parents are expected to allocate reproductive resources adaptively to their offspring according to such environmental heterogeneity. Elasmucha putoni Scott (Hemiptera: Acanthosomatidae) is a bivoltine shield bug showing maternal care. We examined the variation in reproductive traits, that is, egg size, clutch size and the trade‐off between them, between two generations of a population and two populations of the same (later) generation, which differ in their host plants. Controlling for female body size, a significant difference was detected in egg size, but not in clutch size between the earlier generation on Morus australis and the later one on Euptelea polyandra or Rosa multiflora. Moreover, there was no difference in the two traits between the populations (one using E. polyandra and another using R. multiflora) of the same generation. A significant trade‐off between egg size and clutch size was detected in the earlier generation on M. australis but not in the later generation on E. polyandra or R. multiflora. This is the first study indicating variable reproductive allocation according to different host plants in herbivorous insects with maternal care.

Body Size, Cerebral Blood Flow, Ambient Temperature, and Relative Brain Temperatures in Newborn Infants under Incubator Care.

Subtle changes in body temperature affect the outcomes of ill newborns. However, the temperature profile of neonatal brains remains largely unknown. In open-cot care, increased cerebral perfusion is correlated with higher superficial brain temperatures. This study investigated the dependence of brain temperature (relative to rectal temperature) on ambient temperature, body size, cerebral perfusion, and metabolism in infants receiving incubator care. Rectal, scalp, and brain temperatures, superior vena cava flow, and brain oxygenation were assessed using echocardiography, thermo-compensatory temperature monitoring, and near-infrared spectroscopy in 60 newborns. These infants had a mean postconceptional age of 36.9 (2.2) weeks and weighed 2348 (609) g at the time of evaluation. The ambient temperature was maintained at 30.0 (1.0) °C. A higher rectal temperature was associated with greater postconceptional age (p = 0.002), body weight (p < 0.001), and head circumference (p < 0.001). Relative scalp, superficial brain, and deep brain temperatures were associated with smaller head circumference (p < 0.001, p = 0.030, and p = 0.015, respectively) and superior vena cava flow (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, and p = 0.003, respectively). In infants receiving incubator care, larger head sizes and increased brain perfusion were associated with lower relative scalp and brain temperatures. When considered alongside previous reports, cerebral perfusion may contribute to maintaining stable cerebral tissue temperature against ambient temperature changes.

Levels of selection and macroevolution in organisms, colonies, and species

Abstract The fitness of groups is often considered to be the average fitness among constituent members. This assumption has been useful for developing models of multilevel selection, but its uncritical adoption has held back our understanding of how multilevel selection actually works in nature. If group fitness is only equal to mean member fitness, then it is a simple task to erode the importance of group-level selection in all multilevel scenarios—species selection could then be reduced to organismal selection as easily as group selection can. Because selection from different levels can act on a single trait, body size, for example, there must be a way to translate one level of fitness to another. This allows the calculation of the contributions of selection at each level. If high-level fitness is not a simple function of member fitness, then how do they interlace? Here we reintroduce Leigh Van Valen’s argument for the inclusion of expansion as a component of fitness. We show that expansion is an integral part of fitness even if one does not subscribe to the energetic view of fitness from which Van Valen originally derived it. From a hierarchical perspective, expansion is the projection of demographic fitness from one level to the next level up; differential births and deaths at one level produce differential expansion one level above. Including expansion in our conceptual tool kit helps allay concerns about our ability to identify the level of selection using a number of methods as well as allowing for the various forms of multilevel selection to be seen as manifestations of the same basic process.

Genomic Inbreeding and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Cashmere Goat.

Cashmere goats are valuable genetic resources which are famous worldwide for their high-quality fiber. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) have been identified as an efficient tool to assess inbreeding level and identify related genes under selection. However, there is limited research on ROHs in cashmere goats. Therefore, we investigated the ROH pattern, assessed genomic inbreeding levels and examined the candidate genes associated with the cashmere trait using whole-genome resequencing data from 123 goats. Herein, the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat presented the lowest inbreeding coefficient of 0.0263. In total, we identified 57,224 ROHs. Seventy-four ROH islands containing 50 genes were detected. Certain identified genes were related to meat, fiber and milk production (FGF1, PTPRM, RERE, GRID2, RARA); fertility (BIRC6, ECE2, CDH23, PAK1); disease or cold resistance and adaptability (PDCD1LG2, SVIL, PRDM16, RFX4, SH3BP2); and body size and growth (TMEM63C, SYN3, SDC1, STRBP, SMG6). 135 consensus ROHs were identified, and we found candidate genes (FGF5, DVL3, NRAS, KIT) were associated with fiber length or color. These findings enhance our comprehension of inbreeding levels in cashmere goats and the genetic foundations of traits influenced by selective breeding. This research contributes significantly to the future breeding, reservation and use of cashmere goats and other goat breeds.

Tailoring Garment Fit for Personalized Body Image Enhancement: Insights from Digital Fitting Research

In the context of the Fashion Apparel Industry 4.0, a transformative evolution is directed towards the Online Apparel Mass Customization (OAMC) strategy, which provides efficient and personalized apparel product solutions to consumers. A critical challenge within this customization process is the determination of sizes. While existing research addresses comfort evaluation in relation to wearer and garment fit, little attention has been given to how garment fit influences the wearer’s body image, which is also an important purchase consideration. This study investigates the impact of garment fit on the wearer’s body scale perception using quantitative research design. A digital dataset of avatars, clothed in varying sizes of T-shirts, were created for the body scale perception experiment, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict the effect of T-shirt fit on body image. With only a small number of garments and body measurements as inputs, the ANN model can accurately predict the body scales of the clothed persons. It was found that the effect of apparel fit on body image varies depending on the wearer’s gender, body size, and shape. This model can be applied to enhance the online garment shopping experience with respect to personalized body image enhancement.

Ecosystem changes in eight Danish lakes after zebra mussel invasion

AbstractInvasion of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) can have profound effects on lake ecosystems. We investigated the overall ecological effects after invasion and fast expansion of zebra mussels in eight lakes in Denmark belonging to the same watercourse systems but with different morphological and eutrophication characteristics. A few years after the invasion, most of the lakes had experienced profound changes in lake water quality, e.g. chlorophyll a had been reduced by 18–62% and Secchi depth had increased by 38–171%. Nutrient concentrations also decreased, total phosphorus to 37–64% and total nitrogen to 49–77% of pre-invasion concentrations. Seasonally, differences between both summer and winter phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations diminished, suggesting a change in internal nutrient cycling after the invasion. In most lakes, the abundance of submerged macrophytes rose substantially, and often coverage increased by a factor 10 or more, and the maximum colonisation depth increased by up to 5.4 m. Plant species numbers increased markedly in four of the six lakes with macrophyte data. The fish community changed towards higher dominance of potential piscivorous perch and an increase in their body size. The profound effects of zebra mussel invasion may affect lake management and how ecological quality should be interpreted.

Testing and optimizing metabarcoding of iDNA from dung beetles to sample mammals in the hyperdiverse Neotropics.

Over the past few years, insects have been used as samplers of vertebrate diversity by assessing the ingested-derived DNA (iDNA), and dung beetles have been shown to be a good mammal sampler given their broad feeding preference, wide distribution and easy sampling. Here, we tested and optimized the use of iDNA from dung beetles to assess the mammal community by evaluating if some biological and methodological aspects affect the use of dung beetles as mammal species samplers. We collected 403 dung beetles from 60 pitfall traps. iDNA from each dung beetle was sequenced by metabarcoding using two mini-barcodes (12SrRNA and 16SrRNA). We assessed whether dung beetles with different traits related to feeding, nesting and body size differed in the number of mammal species found in their iDNA. We also tested differences among four killing solutions in preserving the iDNA and compared the effectiveness of each mini barcode to recover mammals. We identified a total of 50 mammal OTUs (operational taxonomic unit), including terrestrial and arboreal species from 10 different orders. We found that at least one mammal-matching sequence was obtained from 70% of the dung beetle specimens. The number of mammal OTUs obtained did not vary with dung beetle traits as well as between the killing solutions. The 16SrRNA mini-barcode recovered a higher number of mammal OTUs than 12SrRNA, although both sets were partly non-overlapping. Thus, the complete mammal diversity may not be achieved by using only one of them. This study refines the methodology for routine assessment of tropical mammal communities via dung beetle 'samplers' and its universal applicability independently of the species traits of local beetle communities.

Delving into the Aftermath of a Disease-Associated Near-Extinction Event: A Five-Year Study of a Serpentovirus (Nidovirus) in a Critically Endangered Turtle Population.

Bellinger River virus (BRV) is a serpentovirus (nidovirus) that was likely responsible for the catastrophic mortality of the Australian freshwater turtle Myuchelys georgesi in February 2015. From November 2015 to November 2020, swabs were collected from turtles during repeated river surveys to estimate the prevalence of BRV RNA, identify risk factors associated with BRV infection, and refine sample collection. BRV RNA prevalence at first capture was significantly higher in M. georgesi (10.8%) than in a coexisting turtle, Emydura macquarii (1.0%). For M. georgesi, various risk factors were identified depending on the analysis method, but a positive BRV result was consistently associated with a larger body size. All turtles were asymptomatic when sampled and conjunctival swabs were inferred to be optimal for ongoing monitoring. Although the absence of disease and recent BRV detections suggests a reduced ongoing threat, the potential for the virus to persist in an endemic focus or resurge in cyclical epidemics cannot be excluded. Therefore, BRV is an ongoing potential threat to the conservation of M. georgesi, and strict adherence to biosecurity principles is essential to minimise the risk of reintroduction or spread of BRV or other pathogens.

Body size mediates trophic interaction strength of novel fish assemblages under climate change.

Ecological similarity plays an important role in biotic interactions. Increased body size similarity of competing species, for example, increases the strength of their biotic interactions. Body sizes of many exothermic species are forecast to be altered under global warming, mediating shifts in existing trophic interactions among species, in particular for species with different thermal niches. Temperate rocky reefs along the southeast coast of Australia are located in a climate warming hotspot and now house a mixture of temperate native fish species and poleward range-extending tropical fishes (vagrants), creating novel species assemblages. Here, we studied the relationship between body size similarity and trophic overlap between individual temperate native and tropical vagrant fishes. Dietary niche overlap between vagrant and native fish species increased as their body sizes converged, based on both stomach content composition (short-term diet), stable isotope analyses (integrated long-term diet) and similarity in consumed prey sizes. We conclude that the warming-induced faster growth rates of tropical range-extending fish species at their cool water ranges will continue to converge their body size towards and strengthen their degree of trophic interactions and dietary overlap with co-occurring native temperate species under increasing ocean warming. The strengthening of these novel competitive interactions is likely to drive changes to temperate food web structures and reshuffle existing species community structures.

Differences in vertebral bone density between African apes.

Low-energy vertebral fractures are a common health concern, especially in elderly people. Interestingly, African apes do not seem to experience as many vertebral fractures and the low-energy ones are even rarer. One potential explanation for this difference is the lower bone density in humans. Yet, only limited research has been done on the vertebral bone density of the great apes and these have mainly included only single vertebrae. Hence the study aim is to expand our understanding of the vertebral microstructure of African apes in multiple spinal segments. Bone density in the vertebral body of C7, T12, and L3 was measured from 32 Pan troglodytes and 26 Gorilla gorilla using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). There was a clear difference between the three individual vertebrae and consequently the spinal segments in terms of trabecular density and cortical density and thickness. The variation of these bone parameters between the vertebrae differed between the apes but was also different from those reported for humans. The chimpanzees were observed to have overall higher trabecular density, but gorillas had higher cortical density and thickness. Cortical thickness had a relatively strong association with the vertebral size. Despite the similarity in locomotion and posture, the results show slight differences in the bone parameters and their variation between spinal segments in African apes. This variation also differs from humans and appears to indicate a complex influence of locomotion, posture, and body size on the different spinal segments.

A new giant Jurassic lacewing larva reveals a particular aquatic habit and its significance to the palaeoecology

AbstractNeuroptera, as a small relic group of Insecta undergoing a rapid species diversification during the Mesozoic Era, is known by diverse extinct endemic lineages preserved as impression fossils and in amber. The current understanding of Mesozoic neuropterans′ diversity has mainly focused on the adults, because the contemporaneous larvae have been fairly rare especially for the Jurassic lacewings. Herein, a new giant lacewing larva, Natator giganteus gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Beds of China. The remarkable larva is characterized by its impressively large body size, distinctively elongated cervix, and presence of swimming hairs on legs, which provide direct evidence to reveal an aquatic habit for the Jurassic lacewing larva. The morphological analysis indicates this giant larva would have probably inhabited the benthic environments of Jurassic montane rivers and streams. In addition, its morphological specialization suggests that it might have adopted an ambush predation strategy to catch its prey. The finding enhances our knowledge of the species diversity and morphological plasticity for the Jurassic lacewing larvae, and reveals that the aquatic lineages of Neuroptera exhibited dramatically structural and ecological convergence across the evolutionary process.

Barley Protein LFBEP-C1 from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 Fermented Barley Extracts by Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering activity of LFBEP-C1 in high glucose-fed Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). MethodsIn this study, the fermented barley protein LFBEP-C1 was prepared and tested for its potential anti-obesity effects on C. elegans. The worms were fed Escherichia coli OP50 (E. coli OP50), glucose, and different concentrations of LFBEP-C1. Body size, lifespan, movement, triglyceride content, and gene expression were analyzed. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test. ResultsCompared with the model group, the head-swing frequency of C. elegans in the group of LFBEP-C1 at 20 μg/mL increased by 33.88%, and the body-bending frequency increased by 27.09%. This indicated that LFBEP-C1 improved the locomotive ability of C. elegans. The average lifespan of C. elegans reached 13.55 days, and the body length and width of the C. elegans decreased after LFBEP-C1 intake. Additionally, LFBEP-C1 reduced the content of lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels. The expression levels of sbp-1, daf-2, and mdt-15 significantly decreased, while those of daf-16, tph-1, mod-1, and ser-4 significantly increased after LFBEP-C1 intake. Changes in these genes explain the signaling pathways that regulate lipid metabolism. ConclusionLFBEP-C1 significantly reduced lipid deposition in C. elegans fed a high-glucose diet and alleviated the adverse effects of a high-glucose diet on the development, lifespan, and exercise behavior of C. elegans. In addition, LFBEP-C1 regulated lipid metabolism mainly by mediating the expression of genes in the sterol regulatory element-binding protein, insulin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling pathways.

Morphological Characteristics and Nest Structure of Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) from Different Meliponiculture Practices

Exploration of Heterotrigona itama biology characteristics besides being valuable for health and biodiversity also beneficial as well as an environmental bioindicator. This research aims to evaluate morphology characteristics and nest structure of stingless bee Heterotrigona itama from three different meliponiculture practices (MP1:meliponiculture in the back yard; MP2:meliponiculture in the rubber garden and MP3: meliponiculture in the side yard) in Banjar Regency, Indonesia. The parameters studied are morphology, nest design, colony structure, and environmental suitability. One-way ANOVA at a 95% confidence level was used to analyze differences between parameters. The results show Heterotrigona itama body size average from rubber gardens is bigger (7.11±0.60 mm) than the side yard (6.79±0.34 mm) and back yard (6.64±0.46 mm). The degree of difference is visible in the fore leg (α=0.00&lt;0.05) and hind leg (α=0.004&lt;0.05). The nest structure in MP3 was significantly different than MP1 and MP2, especially in terms of funnel length (p=0.007&lt;0.05) and nest height from the ground (p=0.000&lt;0.05). Environmental conditions MP3 (temperature 31.69±1.93 0C, humidity 60.70±11.2 % and water source) is more supportive for meliponiculture than MP2 (disturbed by household waste) and MP3 polluted by chicken farms. Meliponicultures practices based on various locations and environmental characteristics influence several parameters of Heterotrigona itama morphology and nest structure.

Understanding the Impact of Visual and Kinematic Information on the Perception of Physicality Errors

Errors that arise due to a mismatch in the dynamics of a person’s motion and the visualized movements of their avatar in virtual reality are termed ‘physicality errors’ to distinguish them from simple physical errors, such as footskate. Physicality errors involve plausible motions, but with dynamic inconsistencies. Even with perfect tracking and ideal virtual worlds, such errors are inevitable in virtual reality whenever a person adopts an avatar that does not match their own proportions or lifts a virtual object that appears heavier than the movement of their hand. This study investigates people’s sensitivity to physicality errors in order to understand when they are likely to be noticeable and need to be mitigated. It uses a simple, well-understood exercise of a dumbbell lift to explore the impact of motion kinematics and varied sources of visual information, including changing body size, changing the size of manipulated objects, and displaying muscular strain. Results suggest that kinematic (motion) information has a dominant impact on perception of effort, but visual information, particularly the visual size of the lifted object, has a strong impact on perceived weight. This can lead to perceptual mismatches which reduce perceived naturalness. Small errors may not be noticeable, but large errors reduce naturalness. Further results are discussed, which inform the requirements for animation algorithms.

Ovarian Weight and Uterine Volume Index Are Useful for Age Estimation in Adult Women

Practically, when only parts of an unidentified human body are found, age estimation with limited materials is required. The purpose of this study was to investigate methods for estimating age using the uterus and ovaries. Among forensic autopsies performed between January 2011 and March 2022, 211 uteruses and 521 ovaries of 322 women were used for this study. Measured values for ovarian weight and uterine volume index were corrected by body surface area to consider the effect of body size. The corrected uterine volume index increased in teenage years and achieved its maximum in the 40–49 group, then gradually decreased with increasing age. The corrected ovarian weight increased until the twenties, after which it decreased with age. For women aged 20 years or more, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that a uterine volume index of 41.2 cm3/m2 was the cutoff value for classifying the age as ≥60 years or &lt;60 years, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.751. Ovarian weights of 2.27 g/m2 and 1.92 g/m2 were the cutoff values for classifying the age as ≥40 years or &lt;40 years, or ≥50 years or &lt;50 years, with AUC values of 0.935 and 0.930, respectively. These methods can help determine an unknown individual’s age group simply and quickly, even for incomplete cadavers.