Despite almost 50 years of research on the functional morphology and biomechanics suction feeding, no consensus has emerged how to characterize suction-feeding performance, or its morphological basis. We argue that this lack unity in literature is due an unusually indirect complex linkage between muscle contractions power skeletal movements underlie buccal expansion, sharp drop pressure occurs during flow water enters mouth eliminate gradient, forces are ultimately exerted prey by flow. This...

ABSTRACT Despite the myriad studies examining diversity and mechanisms of gecko adhesion in lab, we have a poor understanding how this translates to locomotion nature. It has long been assumed that greater adhesive strength should translate superior performance Using 13 individuals Bradfield's Namib day (Rhoptropus bradfieldi) Namibia, I tested hypothesis maximum running nature (speed acceleration) is driven by frictional strength. Specifically, those with escape faster speed acceleration...

Suction feeding fish draw prey into the mouth using a flow field that they generate external to head. In this paper we present multidimensional perspective on suction performance illustrate in comparative analysis of ability two members Centrarchidae, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). We first direct measurements maximum fluid speed capacity, use calculate local acceleration volumetric rate. also calculated ingested volume novel metric strike...

For most vertebrates, locomotion is a fundamental component of prey capture. Despite this ubiquitous link, few studies have quantified the integration these complex systems. Several variables related to locomotor performance, including maximum speed, acceleration, deceleration, maneuverability, accuracy, and approach stability, likely influence feeding performance in vertebrates. The relative importance measures however, depends on ecology predator. While factors such as morphology...

The suction-feeding fish generates a flow field external to its head in order draw prey into the mouth. To date there are very few empirical measurements that characterize fluid mechanics of suction feeding, particularly temporal and spatial patterns water velocity front fish. bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus, with high (<1 mm) (500 Hz) resolution were taken using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). In an analysis separate from PIV, high-speed video sequences used for novel method visually...

Lizards commonly climb in complex three-dimensional habitats, and gekkotans are particularly adept at doing this by using an intricate adhesive system involving setae on the ventral surface of their digits. However, it is not clear whether geckos always deploy system, given that so may result decreased (i.e. reduction speed) locomotor performance. Here, we investigate circumstances under which apparatus clinging becomes operative, examine potential trade-offs between speed clinging. We...

The range of inclines and perch diameters in arboreal habitats poses a number functional challenges for locomotion. To effectively overcome these challenges, lizards execute complex locomotor behaviors involving both the forelimbs hindlimbs. However, few studies have examined role lizard characterize how hindlimbs differentially respond to changes substrate diameter incline, we obtained three-dimensional high-speed video green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) running on flat (9 cm wide) narrow...

Significance The gecko adhesive system has garnered considerable interest from scientists over the past several decades. Most research focused on function and microanatomy of system. However, it is currently unclear what impact secondary loss or simplification might have evolutionary biomechanics locomotion, which critical for pinpointing constraints that accompany such an innovation, ultimately release these constraints. We found geckos exhibit elevated rates morphological kinematic...

Animal movement and its muscular control are central topics in functional morphology. As experimentalists we often manipulate stimuli a controlled setting or compare species to observe the degree of variation motor particular behaviors. Understanding communicating biological significance these sources variability requires universal terminology that is presently lacking morphology literature. We suggest 'stereotypy' be used refer observed behavior across trials under given set conditions. The...

SUMMARY Locomotion is an integral aspect of the prey capture strategy almost every predatory animal. For fishes that employ suction to draw into their mouths, locomotor movements are vital for correct positioning mouth relative item. Despite this, little known regarding relationships between and capture. To gain insights how move during mechanisms underlying deceleration capture, I measured fin body largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus. Using a...

SUMMARY Suction feeding fish rapidly expand their oral cavity, resulting in a flow of water directed towards the mouth that is accompanied by drop pressure inside buccal cavity. Pressure and fluid speed external to are understood be mechanically linked but relationship between them has never been empirically determined any suction feeder. We present first simultaneous measurements during fishes. Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV)and high-speed video were used measure maximum front...

Summary Morphological features that lead to increased locomotor performance, such as faster sprint speed, are thought evolve in concert with habitat use. The latter depends on available structure and how the animal moves within habitat. Thus, this behavioural variation will impact natural selection acts locomotion morphology. Quantifying interplay between escape behaviour morphology across habitats vary structural composition could reveal at local levels. Substrate features, incline...

Abstract Predation plays a central role in the lives of most organisms. Predators must find and subdue prey to survive reproduce, whereas avoid predators do same. The resultant antagonistic coevolution often leads extreme adaptations both parties. Few examples capture imagination like rapid strike from venomous snake. However, almost nothing is known about performance viperid snakes under natural conditions. We obtained high-speed (500 fps) three-dimensional video field (at night using...

Abstract The study of gecko adhesion is necessarily interdisciplinary due to the hierarchical nature adhesive system and complexity interactions between animals their habitats. In nature, geckos move on a wide range surfaces including soft sand dunes, trees, rocks, but much research over past two decades has focused performance artificial surfaces. Exploring complex natural habitats will reveal aspects that can be applied biomimetic research, such as factors facilitate movement dirty rough...

Abstract Attachment is imperative for many biological functions, such as holding position and climbing, but can be challenged by natural conditions. Adhesive toe pads claws have evolved in multiple terrestrial lineages important dynamic attachment mechanisms, some clades (e.g., geckos) exhibit both features. The functional relationship of these features that comprise a complex system not well-understood, particularly within lizards (i.e., if are redundant or multifunctional). Geckos highly...