GEOGRAPHIC MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION IN AMERICAN LOBSTER

An analysis of morphologic measurements from geographically separated samples of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, was made. The centour concept, which involved inferring an individual's group membership from multivariate data, was used. The study involved identification of inshore and offshore groups of lobsters by means of small shape differences based on simultaneous consideration of linear measurements from 16 body parts. The results of the study showed that definite profile differences existed between inshore and offshore groups when matched by size and sex. The observed differences were greater between inshore and offshore groups than those occurring within geographically separated samples of both inshore and offshore lobsters. The results of the study suggested that relatively little overlap was discernible between the inshore and offshore areas in the characters measured. These studies support inferences made from tagging studies to date. © 1969, Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.