Abstract
Despite great technological progress scientists still are not capable of ascertaining how
many species are there on Earth. Systematic studies are not only time-consuming, but sometimes
also significantly impeded by constraints of available equipment. One of the methods for morphology
evaluation, which is gradually more often used for taxonomical research is microcomputed
tomography. It’s great spatial resolution and ability to gather volumetric data during
single acquisition without sectioning specimen are properties especially useful in evaluation of
small invertebrates. Nondestructive nature of micro-CT gives possibility to combine it with other
imaging techniques even for single specimen. Moreover, in case of rare organisms studies it allows to
collect full structural data without fracturing their bodies. Application of proper staining, exposure
parameters or specific sample preparation significantly improves quality of performed studies. The
following article presents summary of current trends and possibilities of microtomography in
morphology studies of small invertebrates.
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