scholarly journals It is time to move: linking flight and foraging behaviour in a diving bird

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pelletier ◽  
Magella Guillemette ◽  
Jean-Marc Grandbois ◽  
Patrick J Butler
Keyword(s):  
Permutation Test ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Diving Depth ◽  
Adaptive Value ◽  
Duck Species ◽  
Diving Bird

Although the adaptive value of flight may seem obvious, it is the most difficult behaviour of birds to monitor. Here, we describe a technique to quantify the frequency and the duration of flights over several months by implanting a data logger that records heart rate ( f H ), hydrostatic pressure (diving depth) and the body angle of a large sea duck species, the common eider ( Somateria mollissima ). According to the mean f H recorded during flight and the parameters recorded to identify the f H flight signature, we were able to identify all flights performed by 13 individuals during eight months. We cumulated local flight time (outside migrations) and found that activity occurs primarily during dawn and morning and that flying activities are strongly related to diving activities (Pearson's r =0.88, permutation test p <0.001). This relationship was interpreted as a consequence of living in a dynamic environment where sea currents move the ducks away from the food patches. We believe that the technique described here will open new avenues of investigation in the adaptive value of flight.

The effect of depth on the diving behaviour of common eiders

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (11) ◽  
pp. 1818-1826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magella Guillemette ◽  
Anthony J Woakes ◽  
Viviane Henaux ◽  
Jean-Marc Grandbois ◽  
Patrick J Butler
Keyword(s):  
Body Cavity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Diving Behaviour ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Diving Depth ◽  
Foraging Area ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Common Eiders ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Using Data

Diving in endotherms is largely constrained by the depth of the foraging area, as they withstand long periods without breathing. Foraging theory predicts that all phases of a dive cycle, including travel, bottom, and surface durations, are positively correlated with depth. With continued increase in depth, bottom duration should level off and then decline. We tested these qualitative predictions with common eiders (Somateria mollissima (L., 1758)), a sea duck foraging routinely on the bottom. Using data loggers implanted in the body cavity of four females for 1 year, we showed that average diving depth over the summer and winter was distinct for each female. When averaged for each female, the data were qualitatively similar to theoretical predictions since travel, bottom, and surface durations all increased with depth. However, within individual females, the data only supported the theory partially because some relationships between depth and phases of a dive cycle were not significant. In particular, bottom duration failed to increase with depth for two individual females during the summer. In addition, significant relationships differed substantially among individual females and even within individual females when summer and winter seasons were compared. We suggest that the large variation observed in the diving behaviour of female eiders reflects individual female diving capability, which is probably related to their physiological states.

The relationship between body angle and target strength of ribbonfish (Trichiurus japonicus) displaying a vertical swimming motion

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 2049-2057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Tomiyasu ◽  
Wan-Yu Kao ◽  
Koki Abe ◽  
Kenji Minami ◽  
Taro Hirose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
The Body ◽  
Target Strength ◽  
P Value ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Static Mode ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Swimming Motion

Abstract During movement, the body angles of ribbonfish change, including a unique vertical swimming motion that influences their target strength (TS). In this study, we observed body angle changes in ribbonfish using an acceleration data logger and video recordings. Based on these data, variations in echo intensity in response to body angle changes were revealed using radiograph images of the swimbladder and the respective TS values. The frequency of a body angle &gt;60° was 57.78% peak at 77°. The swimbladders were found to be slender ellipses inclined 3–4° upward from the body axis. The TS peaked (about −30 dB for the average pre-anal length of 223.9 ± 21.8 mm) when the body angle was horizontal or inclined 2–3° downward. The TS decreased substantially when the body angle was vertically inclined. From about 10° upward inclination to vertical, the TS fluctuated between −50 and −60 dB. In a comparison of the average TS values among body angle categories, the TS values for body angles grouped as ‘vertical’ (between 60° and 90°), showing static mode activity patterns in video recordings, were low (−55.7 ± 3.9 dB, Mean ± SD), whereas those for the horizontal body angle (between 0° and 30°) category, comprising the active mode, were high (−47.0 ± 8.7 dB) (P-value &lt; 0.01). In the natural habitat, ribbonfish are known to gather at the sea floor during the daytime. In contrast, at night they disperse and move actively while foraging. Consequently, their echo intensities in natural habitats change substantially in response to their diel changes in behavioural ecology. Additional measurements or theoretical models considering the influence of ribbonfish behaviour should be undertaken as a result of this study.

scholarly journals Hovering performance of Anna's hummingbirds ( Calypte anna ) in ground effect

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (98) ◽  
pp. 20140505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica J. Kim ◽  
Marta Wolf ◽  
Victor Manuel Ortega-Jimenez ◽  
Stanley H. Cheng ◽  
Robert Dudley
Keyword(s):  
Wing Length ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
The Body ◽  
Plane Angle ◽  
Metabolic Power ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Induced Flow ◽  
Induced Velocity ◽  
Calypte Anna

Aerodynamic performance and energetic savings for flight in ground effect are theoretically maximized during hovering, but have never been directly measured for flying animals. We evaluated flight kinematics, metabolic rates and induced flow velocities for Anna's hummingbirds hovering at heights (relative to wing length R = 5.5 cm) of 0.7 R , 0.9 R , 1.1 R , 1.7 R , 2.2 R and 8 R above a solid surface. Flight at heights less than or equal to 1.1 R resulted in significant reductions in the body angle, tail angle, anatomical stroke plane angle, wake-induced velocity, and mechanical and metabolic power expenditures when compared with flight at the control height of 8 R . By contrast, stroke plane angle relative to horizontal, wingbeat amplitude and wingbeat frequency were unexpectedly independent of height from ground. Qualitative smoke visualizations suggest that each wing generates a vortex ring during both down- and upstroke. These rings expand upon reaching the ground and present a complex turbulent interaction below the bird's body. Nonetheless, hovering near surfaces results in substantial energetic benefits for hummingbirds, and by inference for all volant taxa that either feed at flowers or otherwise fly close to plant or other surfaces.

The Effect of Head Tilt on Perception of Self-Orientation While in a Greater than One G Environment

1995 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Tamara L. Chelette ◽  
Eric J. Martin ◽  
William B. Albery
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Head Tilt ◽  
Nonlinear Function ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Multiple Regression Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hand Position ◽  
Haptic Information ◽  
Perception Of Self ◽  
Constant Head

The effect of head tilt on the perception of self-orientation while in a greater than one G environment was studied in nine subjects using the Armstrong Laboratory Dynamic Environment Simulator. After a 12-s stabilization period at a constant head tilt and G level, subjects reported their perception of the horizon by placing their right hand in a position they believed to be horizontal. Head tilt conditions ranged from -30° to +45° pitch over each of three head yaw positions. G levels ranged from one to four and were in the longitudinal axis of the body (Gz). Hand position was recorded in both the pitch and roll body axes. A function of head tilt did improve the fit of a multiple regression model to the collected data in both the pitch and roll axes (P < .05). The best fit was accomplished with a nonlinear function of G and head pitch. When the head remained level but the environment tilted with respect to the G vector (at angles similar to those perceived during head tilt), subjects accurately reported the environmental tilt. Head tilt under G can result in vestibular-based illusionary perception of environmental tilt. Actual environmental tilt is accurately perceived due to added channels of haptic information.

WING MOVEMENTS AND LIFT REGULATION IN THE FLIGHT OF DESERT LOCUSTS

1993 ◽  
Vol 182 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Wortmann ◽  
W. Zarnack
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamics ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
The Body ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Wing Movement ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Lift Body

1. We simultaneously recorded lift/body weight, flight speed, body angle and 12 variables of wing movement for locusts performing tethered long-term flight with low movement scatter. The movements of the forewings and hindwings were recorded in three dimensions by means of miniature induction coils. 2. By adjusting the body angle, we could reproducibly manipulate lift generation as a consequence of induced changes in the wings' movement patterns. We were therefore able to analyse various relationships between the movement patterns and lift. 3. The most prominent variations of kinematic variables were observed for the forewing movements. The relative lift and the steady angle of pitch were positively correlated but there was a negative correlation between relative lift and pitching amplitude. We found no correlation between relative lift and flapping amplitude. Our results seem to correspond to a new theory about unsteady aerodynamics of oscillating aerofoils. 4. We sometimes observed variations in lagging. 5. The forewing downstroke was delayed by 0–8 ms following the hindwing downstroke. Relative lift was positively correlated to this delay.

scholarly journals Monitoring of the load regime applied on the osseointegrated fixation of a trans-femoral amputee: A tool for evidence-based practice

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Frossard ◽  
Nathan Stevenson ◽  
James Smeathers ◽  
Eva Häggström ◽  
Kerstin Hagberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
The Body ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Actual Usage ◽  
Load Regime ◽  
User Friendly

This study aimed to provide a description of the continuous recording of the true load regime experienced during daily living by the abutment of a trans-femoral amputee fitted with an osseointegrated fixation. The specific objectives: (i) To present an apparatus and a procedure allowing recording of the load regime, and (ii) an example of the raw data and six performance indicators of the usage of the prosthesis obtained with this method. A subject was monitored for a period of 5 hours as he went about his daily activities. The load regime was directly measured and recorded using a commercial transducer and data logger. The overall load profile presented alternative periods of variable length of inactivity (64%) and activity (36%), respectively. The maximum load applied on the mediolateral, anteroposterior and the long axes represented 21%, 21% and 120% of the body weight, respectively. The anteroposterior, mediolateral and long components of the impulse were 395 kN.s, 359 kN.s and 2,323 kN.s, respectively. The amputee generated a total of 2312 gait cycles of the prosthetic leg, giving an approximate overall cadence of 8 stride/min. Preliminary outcomes indicated that the proposed method was an improvement on the current techniques as it provided the true loading and actual usage of the prosthesis during daily living. This study is a stepping stone in the development of future affordable, on-board and user-friendly load recording systems that can be used in evidence-based practice.

The mechanics of flight in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta. I. Kinematics of hovering and forward flight.

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (21) ◽  
pp. 2705-2722 ◽  
Author(s):  
A P Willmott ◽  
C P Ellington
Keyword(s):  
Manduca Sexta ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Time Course ◽  
The Body ◽  
Forward Speed ◽  
Plane Angle ◽  
Free Flight ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Distal Half ◽  
Angle Of Rotation

High-speed videography was used to record sequences of individual hawkmoths in free flight over a range of speeds from hovering to 5 ms-1. At each speed, three successive wingbeats were subjected to a detailed analysis of the body and wingtip kinematics and of the associated time course of wing rotation. Results are presented for one male and two female moths. The clearest kinematic trends accompanying increases in forward speed were an increase in stroke plane angle and a decrease in body angle. The latter may have resulted from a slight dorsal shift in the area swept by the wings as the supination position became less ventral with increasing speed. These trends were most pronounced between hovering and 3 ms-1, and the changes were gradual; there was no distinct gait change of the kind observed in some vertebrate fliers. The wing rotated as two functional sections: the hindwing and the portion of the forewing with which it is in contact, and the distal half of the forewing. The latter displayed greater fluctuation in the angle of rotation, especially at the lower speeds. As forward speed increased, the discrepancy between the rotation angles of the two halfstrokes, and of the two wing sections, became smaller. The downstroke wing torsion was set early in the halfstroke and then held constant during the translational phase.

A new arc-striped species of Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Teleostei: Callichthyidae) from the Peruvian Amazon

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4948 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-200
Author(s):  
REBECCA FRANCES BENTLEY ◽  
STEVEN GRANT ◽  
LUIZ FERNANDO CASERTA TENCATT
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Posterior Margin ◽  
Ventral Surface ◽  
River Basins ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
The Body ◽  
Peruvian Amazon ◽  
Black Stripe ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Adaptive Value

A new Corydoras is described from the Blanco and Ucayali river basins in Peru. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following features: (I) posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with laminar serrations directed towards the origin of the spine; (II) a long, wide, arched, and continuous black stripe, which runs parallel to the dorsal profile of the body, extending at least from the region below anterior origin of dorsal fin to the anterior half of the ventral caudal-fin lobe; (III) a black stripe transversally crossing the eye, forming the typical mask-like blotch; mask clearly not fused to arched stripe in most specimens; some specimens with mask separated from arched stripe by a thin line around the suture between neurocranium (in the region composed by the posteroventral margin of parieto-supraoccipital plus the posterodorsal margin of the compound pterotic) and first dorsolateral body plate; (IV) posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with laminar serrations directed towards the origin of the spine; (V) pointed snout, presenting a long mesethmoid, with anterior tip larger than 50% of the entire length of the bone; and (V) ventral surface of trunk covered by small, non-coalescent platelets. A discussion on the possible positive adaptive value of the arc-striped color pattern is also provided. 

scholarly journals Kinematics Measurement and Power Requirements of Fruitflies at Various Flight Speeds

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4271
Author(s):  
Hao Jie Zhu ◽  
Mao Sun
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Flight Speed ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Speed Range ◽  
Full Speed ◽  
Stroke Amplitude

Energy expenditure is a critical characteristic in evaluating the flight performance of flying insects. To investigate how the energy cost of small-sized insects varies with flight speed, we measured the detailed wing and body kinematics in the full speed range of fruitflies and computed the aerodynamic forces and power requirements of the flies. As flight speed increases, the body angle decreases and the stroke plane angle increases; the wingbeat frequency only changes slightly; the geometrical angle of attack in the middle upstroke increases; the stroke amplitude first decreases and then increases. The mechanical power of the fruitflies at all flight speeds is dominated by aerodynamic power (inertial power is very small), and the magnitude of aerodynamic power in upstroke increases significantly at high flight speeds due to the increase of the drag and the flapping velocity of the wing. The specific power (power required for flight divided by insect weigh) changes little when the advance ratio is below about 0.45 and afterwards increases sharply. That is, the specific power varies with flight speed according to a J-shaped curve, unlike those of aircrafts, birds and large-sized insects which vary with flight speed according to a U-shaped curve.

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