Description
Compare supplied live and preserved lengths using an independently supplied retention factor.
Specimen measurements and animal observations depend on a defined body part, reference value, unit, and observation window. A mass fraction, size ratio, or timing share summarizes those inputs. The counting and measurement conventions must stay explicit when comparing specimens or records.
Compare supplied live and preserved lengths using an independently supplied retention factor.
When to use this tool
Use Preserved Length Live Base Gap when you need to compare supplied specimen measurements or observation records under an explicit reference and denominator.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter preservedLength, suppliedLiveLength, retentionFraction. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read predictedPreserved, gap. Use the output convention below.
Calculate predictedPreserved=suppliedLiveLength*retentionFraction and gap=preservedLength-predictedPreserved. Require nonnegative lengths and retentionFraction between zero and one.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| preservedLength | Preserved Length | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| suppliedLiveLength | Supplied Live Length | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| retentionFraction | Retention Fraction | Required. Finite number; minimum 0; maximum 1. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| predictedPreserved | Predicted Preserved | Required. Finite number. |
| gap | Gap | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"preservedLength": 9,
"suppliedLiveLength": 10,
"retentionFraction": 0.8
},
"output": {
"predictedPreserved": 8,
"gap": 1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- RetentionFraction is a supplied dimensionless model parameter, not a measured shrinkage correction inferred from preservation conditions. Both lengths must use the same unit.
- The field tables state structural bounds; the mechanics also specify cross-field constraints. Malformed inputs and unsupported domains cause errors. A successful false flag, empty branch value, or zero placeholder has the meaning stated above and is distinct from an input error.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use compatible measurements and observation records to verify the chosen denominator and reference before interpreting a specimen comparison.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Animal Track Step Length
Return stepLength=hypot(secondX-firstX,secondY-firstY) for two supplied planar positions.
- Acoustic Call Pulse Duty Factor Term
Pulse-union occupancy using an explicit aggregate overlap correction; no acoustic event detection.