A possible pitfall in the morphometric application of discriminant analysis: measurement bias

Standard methods of evaluating the effectiveness of a discriminant analysis do not include an examination of the possible effect of measurement errors. An example (based on squid-beak morphometrics) is given, where a relatively small degree of bias could reduce the probability of correct classification of one species from 89% to less than 50%. This is used to illustrate a general procedure for evaluating the extent of bias in morphometric measurements and its potential effect on a discriminant function. It is recommended that such a procedure be part of the evaluation of any published discriminant based on morphometrics.