Muscle metabolism dominates the energy costs of locomotion. Although in vivo measures muscle strain, activity and force can indicate mechanical function, similar muscle-level use are challenging to obtain. Without this information locomotor systems essentially a black box terms distribution metabolic energy. situ measurements not practical multiple muscles, rate blood flow skeletal tissue be used as proxy for aerobic metabolism, allowing cost particular functions estimated. Axial, undulatory...

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus showed intraspecific morphological and behavioural differences dependent on the environment. Pelagic L. had more fusiform bodies, a higher pectoral fin aspect ratio, larger spiny dorsal area fins located farther from centre of mass than littoral (P < 0·05). The shape body fins, in particular, were suggestive adaptation for sustained high-speed economical labriform swimming. Littoral deeper wider body, caudal mouths pelagic Additionally, soft dorsal, pelvic, anal...

Abstract Background Normal cell cycle progression requires the precise activation and inactivation of cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs), which consist a CDK cyclin subunit. A novel regulator called Speedy/Ringo shows no sequence similarity to cyclins, yet can directly bind activate CDKs. proteins, Cdc2 Cdk2 in vitro , are required for G2 M transition during Xenopus oocyte maturation normal S-phase entry cultured human cells. Results We have characterized substrate specificity enzymatic...

Many studies of feeding behavior have implanted electrodes unilaterally (in muscles on only one side the head) to determine basic motor patterns controlling jaws. However, bilateral implantation has potential achieve a more comprehensive understanding modification activity that may be occurring between left and right sides head. In particular, complex processing prey is often characterized by bilaterally asynchronous even unilateral activation jaw musculature. this study, we implant in...

Bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus exhibit intraspecific variation in their morphology and swimming performance based on habitat. The pelagic form has a relatively streamlined, fusiform body shape associated with greater steady-state speed energy economy. In contrast, littoral bluegill have deeper bodies fins located farther from center of mass to enhance maneuverability among vegetation. Deeper shapes been increased fast-start escape predators or capture prey. We hypothesized that...

Seed dispersal performance is an essential component of plant fitness. Despite their significance in shaping performance, the mechanical processes that drive are poorly understood. We have quantified seed mechanics Cardamine parviflora (Brassicaceae), a ballistic disperser launches seeds with specialized catapult-like structures. To determine which aspects catapult function dictate interspecific differences, we compared this other dispersers. Comparison brassicas lack may also provide...

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus showed variation in their diet and trophic morphology based on habitat. Pelagic L. feed almost exclusively cladocerans; littoral a variety of benthic invertebrates, molluscs, cladocerans insects. Fish from the habitat had wider pharyngeal jaws, which probably allowed them to crush gastropods process invertebrates.

Most studies of the function feeding muscles in fish have implanted electromyogram electrodes unilaterally to understand motor pattern associated with a behavior. The few that bilaterally found paired may be activated asynchronously, often resulting visible kinematic asymmetry. We investigated modulation pairwise asynchrony (modulation activation patterns left and right members muscle) during capture processing two types prey spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias little skates Leucoraja erinacea...

The body wall muscles of sanguivorous leeches power mechanically diverse behaviours: suction feeding, crawling and swimming. These require longitudinal muscle to exert force over an extremely large length range, from 145 46 per cent the mean segmental swimming length. Previous data, however, suggest that leech has limited capacity for production when elongated. Serotonin (5-HT) alters passive properties stimulates feeding. We hypothesized 5-HT may also have a role in allowing elongated by...

Abstract Polymorphic populations are often considered as intermediate stages of speciation. Bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus ) from Lake Waban, Wellesley, MA have diverged into two ecomorphs based on their diet, occupied habitat and morphology. Littoral bluegills generalist feeders that consume a variety aquatic invertebrates. Pelagic feed primarily Daphnia . We aimed to understand if suction pressure generation, prey capture behaviors pharyngeal jaw morphology differed between the...

Morphological streamlining is often associated with physiological advantages for steady swimming in fishes. Though most commonly studied pelagic fishes, also occurs fishes that occupy high-flow environments. Before the installation of dams and water diversions, bonytail (Cyprinidae, Gila elegans), a fish endemic to Colorado River (USA), regularly experienced massive, seasonal flooding events. Individuals G. elegans display morphological characteristics may facilitate conditions, including...

Temperature can be a key abiotic factor in fish distribution, as it affects most physiological processes. Specifically, temperature affect locomotor capabilities, especially species are exposed to temperatures nearing their thermal limits. In this study, we aimed understand the effects of on muscle two labrids that occupy Northwest Atlantic Ocean. When cold autumn, cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) and tautog (Tautoga onitis) go into state winter dormancy. Transitions dormancy vary slightly,...

Abstract The distribution of organisms within a community can often be determined by the degree plasticity or specialization resource acquisition. Resource acquisition is based on morphology an organism, behavior, combination both. Performance tests feeding identify possible interactions that allow one species to better exploit prey item. Scavenging behaviors in presence absence competitor were investigated quantifying selection trophic generalist, spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias, and...

Abstract Temperature can have profound impacts on fitness‐related activities in fishes. Feeding is an ecologically relevant task which controlled by muscle function. Consequently, ectotherms, function and feeding kinematics be altered temperature. This study investigated the effect of decreasing temperature northern most labrid Western Atlantic. During winter, cunner ( Tautogolabrus adspersus ) enter a state extended torpor order to conserve energy when water temperatures drop below ~10°C....

Abstract Evaluating fish feeding behaviours is imperative to understanding prey resource use in the field. Previous work on has taken place almost exclusively a laboratory setting, which may impose artificial restrictions. Thus, we aimed evaluate constraints captive setting places behaviours. We recorded polymorphic (littoral and pelagic) bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus ) field using high‐speed camera underwater cameras. Following successful strikes video events, were digitised ImageJ...

Electromyography (EMG) has played an important role in studies of musculoskeletal function for over half a century (Moyers 1949; reviewed by Loeb and Gans 1986). The technique provided insight into how neuromotor systems control the intrinsic extrinsic dynamics mechanics. conservation evolution motor during feeding been examined extensively within context symposium, order to synthesize across phylogenetic groups (Alfaro Herrel 2001 papers that issue). Currently, EMG is integrative framework...

Abstract Cunner ( Tautogolabrus adspersus ) are a temperate labrid species that inhabit the Western Atlantic and experience temperatures ranging from 0°C to 25°C. During autumn, once drop below 10°C in Long Island Sound, cunner find shelter enter state of quiescence. Previous work has shown acclimation low limits performance locomotor musculature, which significantly lowers steady swimming capabilities. We aimed understand how escape response (C‐start) might be impacted by experienced Sound...