Introduction

Abstract

The word biometry comes from the Greek (βιoς, life +µ ε τ ρoν, measurement) and means literally the quantitative study of life phenomena. Since living organisms generally differ from each other in size and shape as well as in their functions, the study of these differences requires statistical methods. Consequently, the word biometry is often considered as a synonym of biostatistics. However, biometricians generally pay more attention to biological aspects than statisticians would do. For many years, it has been realized that a knowledge of biometry is a must for practicing biologists as well as for graduate students. Therefore, most universities are now aware of the necessity of giving their biology students at least one introductory course in biometry.