scholarly journals Exceptional locomotory performance in Paratarsotomus macropalpis mites (878.1)

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Rubin ◽  
Jonathan Wright ◽  
Maria Young ◽  
Dwight Whitaker ◽  
Anna Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Locomotory Performance

Locomotion is not influenced by denticle number in larvae of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J Fitzpatrick ◽  
Evelyn Szewczyk
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Fruit Flies ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Locomotory Performance ◽  
Locomotion Speed

Denticles are small projections on the underside of larval fruit flies that are used to grip the substrate while crawling. Previous studies have shown that (i) there is natural variation in denticle number and pattern between Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen, 1830) and several closely related species and (ii) mutations affecting denticle morphology have negative effects on locomotory performance. We hypothesized that there would be a correlation between denticle number and locomotory performance within populations of D. melanogaster. Despite finding considerable variation in denticle number, we found no correlation between denticle number and three measurements of larval locomotion: speed, acceleration, and absolute turning rate.

scholarly journals Effects of Feather Lice on Flight Behavior of Male Barn Swallows (Hirundo Rustica)

The Auk ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 213-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Barbosa ◽  
S. Merino ◽  
Fde Lope ◽  
A. P. Møller
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Load ◽  
Hirundo Rustica ◽  
Flight Behavior ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Feather Lice ◽  
Locomotory Performance ◽  
Flight Parameters ◽  
Barn Swallows ◽  
Foraging Flight

Abstract Parasites may affect host behavior in a number of ways, including their locomotory performance. We investigated whether the number of holes produced by the feather louse (Myrsidea rustica) affected flight behavior in adult male Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) by video-taping flight performance of individuals during escape and level flight. Percentage of time spent flapping during foraging flight was positively related to number of holes, but not to other flight parameters such as wingbeat frequency. These results suggest indirect effects of feather lice on host performance that must be considered together with effects of thermoregulation and feather breakage. This is the first report of an effect of parasite load on flight behavior.

Kinematics, maximal metabolic rate, sprint and endurance for a slow-moving lizard, the thorny devil (Moloch horridus)

2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christofer J. Clemente ◽  
Graham G. Thompson ◽  
Philip C. Withers ◽  
David Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Pulmonary Ventilation ◽  
Lung Ventilation ◽  
Metabolic Physiology ◽  
Performance Traits ◽  
Phrynosoma Platyrhinos ◽  
Locomotory Performance ◽  
Slow Moving ◽  
Maximal Metabolic Rate

Metabolic physiology, morphology, activity patterns, performance traits and movement kinematics are thought to have coevolved in lizards. We examined links between these parameters for the thorny devil (Moloch horridus), a morphologically and ecologically specialised agamid lizard (body mass ~30 g). It has a maximum sustainable metabolic rate (VO2max) of 0.99 mL O2 g–1 h–1 while running at a velocity of 0.11�m�sec–1 at 35°C. This VO2 is typical of that for other lizards (except varanids), but its burst speed (1.21�m�sec–1) is slower than for a typical agamid (e.g. Ctenophorus ornatus at 3.59 m sec–1) and its endurance is appreciably higher. The kinematic pattern of hind-limb movement for M. horridus is different to that of a 'typical' similar-sized agamid, Ctenophorus ornatus, which is a fast-moving lizard that shelters in rock crevices. It is also different to the ecologically equivalent Phrynosoma platyrhinos. The slow and erratic ventilation of M. horridus (2.3 breaths min–1) at its maximum sustainable aerobic running speed occurs when it stops running. This might be a consequence of the hypaxial muscles being used for both lung ventilation and locomotion, which might be impairing pulmonary ventilation when running, but might also contribute to its high endurance. M. horridus is metabolically typical of agamids, but its body shape, movement patterns and locomotory performance traits are different, and might have coevolved with its specialisation for eating ants.

Thermal plasticity of skeletal muscle phenotype in ectothermic vertebrates and its significance for locomotory behaviour

2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (15) ◽  
pp. 2305-2322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian A. Johnston ◽  
Genevieve K. Temple
Keyword(s):  
Common Carp ◽  
Developmental Plasticity ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Temperature Acclimation ◽  
Acclimation Temperature ◽  
Simple Relationship ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Thermal Plasticity ◽  
Acclimation Response ◽  
Locomotory Performance

SUMMARY Seasonal cooling can modify the thermal preferenda of ectothermic vertebrates and elicit a variety of physiological responses ranging from winter dormancy to an acclimation response that partially compensates for the effects of low temperature on activity. Partial compensation of activity levels is particularly common in aquatic species for which seasonal temperature changes provide a stable cue for initiating the response. Thermal plasticity of locomotory performance has evolved independently on numerous occasions, and there is considerable phylogenetic diversity with respect to the mechanisms at the physiological and molecular levels. In teleosts,neuromuscular variables that can be modified include the duration of motor nerve stimulation, muscle activation and relaxation times, maximum force and unloaded shortening velocity (Vmax), although not all are modified in every species. Thermal plasticity in Vmax has been associated with changes in myosin ATPase activity and myosin heavy chain(MyHC) composition and/or with a change in the ratio of myosin light chain isoforms. In common carp (Cyprinus carpio), there are continuous changes in phenotype with acclimation temperature at lower levels of organisation, such as MyHC composition and Vmax, but a distinct threshold for an effect in terms of locomotory performance. Thus,there is no simple relationship between whole-animal performance and muscle phenotype. The nature and magnitude of temperature acclimation responses also vary during ontogeny. For example, common carp acquire the ability to modify MyHC composition with changes in acclimation temperature during the juvenile stage. In contrast, the thermal plasticity of swimming performance observed in tadpoles of the frog Limnodynastes peronii is lost in the terrestrial adult stage. Although it is often assumed that the adjustments in locomotory performance associated with temperature acclimation enhance fitness, this has rarely been tested experimentally. Truly integrative studies of temperature acclimation are scarce, and few studies have considered both sensory and motor function in evaluating behavioural responses. Developmental plasticity is a special case of a temperature acclimation response that can lead to temporary or permanent changes in morphology and/or physiological characteristics that affect locomotory performance.

scholarly journals Distribution, composition and functions of gelatinous tissues in deep-sea fishes

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 171063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mackenzie E. Gerringer ◽  
Jeffrey C. Drazen ◽  
Thomas D. Linley ◽  
Adam P. Summers ◽  
Alan J. Jamieson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ionic Composition ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Fish Locomotion ◽  
Cost Growth ◽  
Locomotory Performance ◽  
Distribution Composition ◽  
Almost All ◽  
And Function

Many deep-sea fishes have a gelatinous layer, or subdermal extracellular matrix, below the skin or around the spine. We document the distribution of gelatinous tissues across fish families (approx. 200 species in ten orders), then review and investigate their composition and function. Gelatinous tissues from nine species were analysed for water content (96.53 ± 1.78% s.d.), ionic composition, osmolality, protein (0.39 ± 0.23%), lipid (0.69 ± 0.56%) and carbohydrate (0.61 ± 0.28%). Results suggest that gelatinous tissues are mostly extracellular fluid, which may allow animals to grow inexpensively. Further, almost all gelatinous tissues floated in cold seawater, thus their lower density than seawater may contribute to buoyancy in some species. We also propose a new hypothesis: gelatinous tissues, which are inexpensive to grow, may sometimes be a method to increase swimming efficiency by fairing the transition from trunk to tail. Such a layer is particularly prominent in hadal snailfishes (Liparidae); therefore, a robotic snailfish model was designed and constructed to analyse the influence of gelatinous tissues on locomotory performance. The model swam faster with a watery layer, representing gelatinous tissue, around the tail than without. Results suggest that the tissues may, in addition to providing buoyancy and low-cost growth, aid deep-sea fish locomotion.

The role of elastic energy storage mechanisms in swimming: an analysis of mantle elasticity in escape jetting in the squid, Loligo opalescens

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 1421-1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Gosline ◽  
Robert E. Shadwick
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Elastic Energy ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Collagen Fibre ◽  
Energy Storage System ◽  
Mantle Cavity ◽  
Loligo Opalescens ◽  
Locomotory Performance

Elastic energy storage mechanisms have been shown to improve locomotory performance and efficiency in many animals. In this paper we consider the role of elastic energy storage in jet locomotion of the squid, Loligo opalescens. The jet is powered by the contraction of circular muscles in the mantle. In addition, the mantle contains a collagen fibre based energy storage system (the mantle "spring") which captures some of the mechanical energy produced by the circular muscles and then releases this energy to power the refilling of the mantle cavity. The mantle spring is constructed so that it stores energy from the circular muscles only at a time in the jet cycle when, by virtue of the cylindrical geometry of the mantle, the circular muscles are unable, to apply their full mechanical output to the generation of hydrodynamic thrust. Thus the mantle spring increases the utilization of the circular muscles, and our analysis indicates that these muscles are used at virtually 100% of their potential through the entire jet. Presumably this increase in muscle utilization improves the locomotory performance of the squid. Other swimming animals, such as fish, may obtain similar benefits if elastic energy storage systems are constructed to capture energy at a time in the swimming cycle when muscles can not apply their full output to the generation of useful hydrodynamic forces.

Effects of Body Size and Parasite Infection on the Locomotory Performance of Juvenile Toads, Bufo bufo

Oikos ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron P. Goater ◽  
Raymond D. Semlitsch ◽  
Marco V. Bernasconi
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Locomotory Performance
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