Intermandibular width and and cannon bone length in “winners” versus “others”

Conformation is defined as the form or outline of an animal and is sometimes expanded to include a relationship of form to function. In the course ofa studentproject,25 traits were measured in each of 20 Thoroughbreds as 3-year-olds in training. "Winners" were three year olds who had won a listed race in 1990 as two year olds. "Others" were three year olds who had raced but not won in listed races in 1990 as two year olds. Twelve of these Waits were evaluated using a linear assessment scoring system; 13 traits were measured using a steel tape, vernier calipers or an improvised compass. This short communication confines itself to two measured waits, intermandibular width and cannon bone length.     

A “taxonomic affidavit”: Why it is needed?

Imprecise and faulty taxonomic identification of the biological objects of many ecological and experimental studies renders these studies irreproducible. Incomplete identification to the species level and excessive use of vernacular species names are additional problems. Good science must be able to be falsified. I recommend that publications and granting agencies use and mention the names of the zoologists or botanists who identified the species. Voucher specimens should be marked and deposited in scientific museums for future checking.