scholarly journals Feeding Kinematics And Morphology Of The Alligator Gar (Atractosteus Spatula, Lacépède, 1803): Feeding Mechanics Of Atractosteus Spatula

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin B. Lemberg ◽  
Neil H. Shubin ◽  
Mark W. Westneat
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Primary Input ◽  
Feeding Mechanism ◽  
Alligator Gar ◽  
Feeding Kinematics ◽  
Atractosteus Spatula

ABSTRACTModern (lepisosteid) gars are a small clade of seven species and two genera that occupy an important position on the actinopterygian phylogenetic tree as members of the Holostei (Amia + gars), sister-group of the teleost radiation. Often referred to as “living fossils,” these taxa preserve many plesiomorphic characteristics used to interpret and reconstruct early osteichthyan feeding conditions. Less attention, however, has been paid to the functional implications of gar-specific morphology, thought to be related to an exclusively ram-based, lateral-snapping mode of prey capture. Previous studies of feeding kinematics in gars have focused solely on members of the narrow-snouted Lepisosteus genus, and here we expand that dataset to include a member of the broad-snouted sister-genus and largest species of gar, the alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula, Lacépède, 1803). High-speed videography reveals that the feeding system of alligator gars is capable of rapid expansion from anterior-to-posterior, precisely timed in a way that appears to counteract the effects of a bow-wave during ram-feeding and generate a unidirectional flow of water through the feeding system. Reconstructed cranial anatomy based on contrast-enhanced micro-CT data show that a lateral-sliding palatoquadrate, flexible intrasuspensorial joint, pivoting interhyal, and retractable pectoral girdle are all responsible for increasing the range of motion and expansive capabilities of the gar cranial linkage system. Muscular reconstructions and manipulation experiments show that, while the sternohyoideus is the primary input to the feeding system (similar to other “basal” actinopterygians), additional input from the hyoid constrictors and hypaxials play an important role in decoupling and modulating between the dual roles of the sternohyoideus: hyoid retraction (jaw opening) and hyoid rotation (pharyngeal expansion) respectively. The data presented here demonstrate an intricate feeding mechanism, capable of precise control with plesiomorphic muscles, that represents one of the many ways the ancestral osteichthyan feeding mechanism has been modified for prey capture.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSAlligator gars use a surprisingly expansive cranial linkage system for prey capture that relies on specialized joints for increased mobility and is capable of precise modulation from anterior to posterior using plesiomorphic osteichthyan musculature.

scholarly journals AQUATIC PREY TRANSPORT AND THE COMPARATIVE KINEMATICS OF AMBYSTOMA TIGRINUM FEEDING BEHAVIORS

1994 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gillis ◽  
G Lauder
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Single Species ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ambystoma Tigrinum ◽  
Feeding Behaviors ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Feeding Mechanism ◽  
Feeding Kinematics

Four definable feeding behaviors used during the metamorphic life history of tiger salamanders are terrestrial prey capture and transport (as adults) and aquatic prey capture and transport (as larvae). Previous studies have focused primarily on the first three of these behaviors and thus aquatic prey transport is poorly understood. These studies have indicated that terrestrial prey capture has unique kinematic and motor patterns, whereas the other behaviors are quite similar to one another. Using high-speed video analysis, the kinematics of aquatic prey transport in larval Ambystoma tigrinum are described using both lateral and ventral views. These kinematic patterns are statistically compared with the kinematic patterns of aquatic prey capture, terrestrial prey capture and terrestrial prey transport. Statistical analyses allow us to assess the similarities and differences among the four behaviors and to determine the effect of the metamorphic environmental transition (water to land) and morphological changes of the feeding mechanism (suction- to lingual-based) on feeding kinematics. Our data do not support the notion that lingual-based terrestrial prey capture uses unique kinematic patterns compared with the other three behaviors, which consist of similar movements. Rather, each of the feeding behaviors has unique kinematic features that distinguish it from the others. In addition, variation in tiger salamander feeding kinematics is more a function of the feeding event (whether it is capture or transport) than of the environment in which the feeding takes place or the morphology of the feeding mechanism. Finally, we encourage the use of parsimony-based methods of phylogenetic analysis to analyze shared traits (such as kinematic and/or electromyographic variables) in comparative studies of behavior within a single species.

scholarly journals Scaling the feeding mechanism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): kinematics of prey capture

1995 ◽  
Vol 198 (2) ◽  
pp. 419-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Richard ◽  
P Wainwright
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Feeding Mechanism ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Lower Jaw ◽  
Feeding Kinematics

We present the first analysis of scaling effects on prey capture kinematics of a feeding vertebrate. The scaling of feeding kinematics of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was investigated using high-speed video (200 fields s-1) to determine what functional changes occur in the feeding mechanism as a consequence of body size. A size series of ten bass ranging from 32 to 210 mm standard length was used for the study and ten feeding sequences from each individual were analyzed to quantify movements of the feeding apparatus during prey capture. Maximal linear and angular displacements of the strike scaled isometrically. The time course of the strike was longer in larger fish. Maximal velocities of displacement were more rapid in larger fish, but their scaling exponents indicated that the intrinsic rate of muscle shortening decreased with fish size. Morphological measurements of the lever arms of the lower jaw and of the two major muscles that drive the feeding mechanism were made to relate possible biomechanical changes in the feeding mechanism to the observed kinematic relationships. The lever arms of the lower jaw and the muscles scaled isometrically; hence, the relative slowing of movements with increasing body size cannot be attributed to changes in mechanical advantage with change in body size. The scaling of feeding kinematics in the largemouth bass is in accord with the scaling of rates of muscle contraction found in other lower vertebrates. These findings demonstrate that body size can have major effects on feeding kinematics and that future comparative studies of feeding kinematics should use empirical data on size effects in kinematic comparisons between taxa.

scholarly journals Feeding mechanics and bite force modelling of the skull of Dunkleosteus terrelli , an ancient apex predator

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip S.L Anderson ◽  
Mark W Westneat
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Bite Force ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Large Individual ◽  
Linkage Mechanism ◽  
Feeding Mechanics ◽  
Four Bar Linkage

Placoderms are a diverse group of armoured fishes that dominated the aquatic ecosystems of the Devonian Period, 415–360 million years ago. The bladed jaws of predators such as Dunkleosteus suggest that these animals were the first vertebrates to use rapid mouth opening and a powerful bite to capture and fragment evasive prey items prior to ingestion. Here, we develop a biomechanical model of force and motion during feeding in Dunkleosteus terrelli that reveals a highly kinetic skull driven by a unique four-bar linkage mechanism. The linkage system has a high-speed transmission for jaw opening, producing a rapid expansion phase similar to modern fishes that use suction during prey capture. Jaw closing muscles power an extraordinarily strong bite, with an estimated maximal bite force of over 4400 N at the jaw tip and more than 5300 N at the rear dental plates, for a large individual (6 m in total length). This bite force capability is the greatest of all living or fossil fishes and is among the most powerful bites in animals.

scholarly journals Feeding kinematics and morphology of the alligator gar ( Atractosteus spatula , Lacépède, 1803)

2019 ◽  
Vol 280 (10) ◽  
pp. 1548-1570
Author(s):  
Justin B. Lemberg ◽  
Neil H. Shubin ◽  
Mark W. Westneat
Keyword(s):  
Alligator Gar ◽  
Feeding Kinematics ◽  
Atractosteus Spatula

Variation in the feeding kinematics of mole salamanders (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma)

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
John T. Beneski Jr. ◽  
John H. Larsen Jr. ◽  
Brian T. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
General Increase ◽  
Feeding Kinematics ◽  
High Speed Cinematography ◽  
Mode A ◽  
General Reduction

High-speed cinematography was used to investigate the prey-capture kinematics of six species of mole salamanders (Ambystomatidae). We compared the feeding behavior of the subgenus Ambystoma (A. californiense and A. macrodactylum) with that of the subgenus Linguaelapsus (A. mabeei, A. texanum, A. annulatum, and A. cingulatum). Prey capture by all six species is characterized by a 3-part gape cycle (a period of rapid mouth opening prior to extraoral tongue protraction, followed by a period of relatively stable gape angle during extraoral tongue protraction and retraction, followed by a period of rapid mouth closure), a tongue-extension cycle (protraction and retraction), and anterior head–body displacement. Among the six species, two distinct modes of prey capture are evident: (1) the Ambystoma mode (A. californiense, A. macrodactylum, A. mabeei, and A. texanum), and (2) the Linguaelapsus mode (A. annulatum and A. cingulatum). Most differences in prey-capture kinematics between the two modes are primarily differences of degree rather than the addition or loss of unique behaviors, and include a general reduction in the gape angles and a general increase in the elapsed times associated with specific events in the Linguaelapsus mode. We hypothesize that these differences are primarily the result of a prolonged period of tongue protraction in the Linguaelapsus mode during which the glandular tongue pad is fitted to the prey. In addition to differing from each other, the gape profiles of the ambystomatid subgenera differ markedly from the 4-part gape profiles of plethodontids and salamandrids.

A biomechanical model of feeding kinematics forDunkleosteus terrelli(Arthrodira, Placodermi)

Paleobiology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip S. L. Anderson ◽  
Mark W. Westneat
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Bite Force ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Large Individual ◽  
Linkage Mechanism ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Biomechanical Models

Biomechanical models illustrate how the principles of physics and physiology determine function in organisms, allowing ecological inferences and functional predictions to be based on morphology. Dynamic lever and linkage models of the mechanisms of the jaw and skull during feeding in fishes predict function from morphology and have been used to compare the feeding biomechanics of diverse fish groups, including fossil taxa, and to test ideas in ecological morphology. Here we perform detailed computational modeling of the four-bar linkage mechanism in the skull and jaw systems ofDunkleosteus terrelli, using software that accepts landmark morphological data to simulate the movements and mechanics of the skull and jaws during prey capture. The linkage system is based on the quadrate and cranio-thoracic joints: Cranial elevation around the cranio-thoracic joint forces the quadrate joint forward, which, coupled with a jaw depressor muscle connecting the jaw to the thoracic shield, causes the jaw to rotate downward during skull expansion. Results show a high speed transmission for jaw opening, producing a rapid expansion phase similar to that in modern fishes that use suction during prey capture. During jaw closing, the model computes jaw and skull rotation and a series of mechanical metrics including effective mechanical advantage of the jaw lever and kinematic transmission of the skull linkage system. Estimates of muscle cross-sectional area based on the largest of five specimens analyzed allow the bite force and strike speed to be estimated. Jaw-closing muscles ofDunkleosteuspowered an extraordinarily strong bite, with an estimated maximal bite force of over 6000 N at the jaw tip and more than 7400 N at the rear dental plates, for a large individual (10 m total length). This bite force capability is among the most powerful bites in animals. The combination of rapid gape expansion and powerful bite meant thatDunkleosteus terrellicould both catch elusive prey and penetrate protective armor, allowing this apex predator to potentially eat anything in its ecosystem, including other placoderms.

The Mechanism of Tongue Protraction During Prey Capture in the Frog Discoglossus Pictus

1991 ◽  
Vol 159 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
KIISA C. NISHIKAWA ◽  
GERHARD ROTH
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Brain Research ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Bufo Marinus ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Federal Republic Of Germany ◽  
Discoglossus Pictus ◽  
Before And After

The mechanism of tongue protraction in the archaeobatrachian frog Discoglossus pictus was studied using high-speed video motion analysis before and after denervation of the submentalis and genioglossus muscles. The kinematics of prey capture were compared (1) between successful and unsuccessful feeding attempts before surgery; (2) before and after denervation of the m. submentalis; and (3) before and after denervation of the m. genioglossus. Prey capture by D. pictus is similar to that of Ascaphus truei, hypothesized to be the sister group of all other living frogs. These archaeobatrachians have tongues of limited protrusibility (maximum tongue reach=0.21-0.27cm) and lunge forward with the whole body to catch prey. In Discoglossus, unsuccessful attempts to capture prey differ from successful captures in having a longer duration of most kinematic variables. These results suggest that kinematic events are postponed in unsuccessful attempts at prey capture, owing to the absence of the somatosensory feedback that results from successful prey contact. Denervation of the m. submentalis prevents mandibular bending, but does not affect tongue protraction. Denervation of the m. genioglossus significantly decreases maximum tongue reach and maximum tongue height, but does not affect mandibular bending. The m. submentalis is necessary for mandibular bending, but neither mandibular bending nor m. submentalis activity are necessary or sufficient for tongue protraction. The m. genioglossus is necessary for normal tongue protraction. It does more than stiffen and support the tongue. These results are not consistent with the current model of tongue protraction developed for the neobatrachian toad Bufo marinus. If this model withstands the denervation test in Bufo marinus, then archaeobatrachians and neobatrachians must differ in their mechanisms of tongue protraction. Note: Present address: Brain Research Institute FB2, University of Bremen, D-2800 Bremen, Federal Republic of Germany.

scholarly journals Extremely fast feeding strikes are powered by elastic recoil in a seahorse relative, the snipefish, Macroramphosus scolopax

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1882) ◽  
pp. 20181078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Longo ◽  
Tyler Goodearly ◽  
Peter C. Wainwright
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
Head Rotation ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Elastic Recoil ◽  
Linkage Mechanism ◽  
Power Requirement ◽  
Feeding Mechanism

Among over 30 000 species of ray-finned fishes, seahorses and pipefishes have a unique feeding mechanism whereby the elastic recoil of tendons allows them to rotate their long snouts extremely rapidly in order to capture small elusive prey. To understand the evolutionary origins of this feeding mechanism, its phylogenetic distribution among closely related lineages must be assessed. We present evidence for elastic recoil-powered feeding in snipefish ( Macroramphosus scolopax ) from kinematics, dynamics and morphology. High-speed videos of strikes show they achieve extremely fast head and hyoid rotational velocities, resulting in rapid prey capture in as short a duration as 2 ms. The maximum instantaneous muscle-mass-specific power requirement for head rotation in snipefish was above the known vertebrate maximum, which is evidence that strikes are not the result of direct muscle power. Finally, we show that the over-centre conformation of the four-bar linkage mechanism coupling head elevation to hyoid rotation in snipefish can function as a torque reversal latch, preventing the head from rotating and providing the opportunity for elastic energy storage. The presence of elastic recoil feeding in snipefish means that this high-performance mechanism is not restricted to the Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipefish) and may have evolved in parallel.

scholarly journals Energetic-Materials-Driven Synthesis of Graphene-Encapsulated Tin Oxide Nanoparticles for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2550
Author(s):  
Yingchun Wang ◽  
Jinxu Liu ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
Lijuan Hou ◽  
Tingting Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tin Oxide ◽  
Energetic Materials ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Coulombic Efficiency ◽  
Sno2 Nanoparticles ◽  
Direct Synthesis ◽  
Exothermic Reaction ◽  
Rate Capability ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Core Shell

By evenly mixing polytetrafluoroethylene-silicon energetic materials (PTFE-Si EMs) with tin oxide (SnO2) particles, we demonstrate a direct synthesis of graphene-encapsulated SnO2 (Gr-SnO2) nanoparticles through the self-propagated exothermic reaction of the EMs. The highly exothermic reaction of the PTFE-Si EMs released a huge amount of heat that induced an instantaneous temperature rise at the reaction zone, and the rapid expansion of the gaseous SiF4 product provided a high-speed gas flow for dispersing the molten particles into finer nanoscale particles. Furthermore, the reaction of the PTFE-NPs with Si resulted in a simultaneous synthesis of graphene that encapsulated the SnO2 nanoparticles in order to form the core-shell nanostructure. As sodium storage material, the graphene-encapsulated SnO2 nanoparticles exhibit a good cycling performance, superior rate capability, and a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 85.3%. This proves the effectiveness of our approach for the scalable synthesis of core-shell-structured graphene-encapsulated nanomaterials.

scholarly journals Prey Capturing Dynamics and Nanomechanically Graded Cutting Apparatus of Dragonfly Nymph

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 559
Author(s):  
Lakshminath Kundanati ◽  
Prashant Das ◽  
Nicola M. Pugno
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Prey Capture ◽  
High Speed Photography ◽  
Sensory Organs ◽  
Dragonfly Nymph ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
Predatory Insects ◽  
Dragonfly Nymphs

Aquatic predatory insects, like the nymphs of a dragonfly, use rapid movements to catch their prey and it presents challenges in terms of movements due to drag forces. Dragonfly nymphs are known to be voracious predators with structures and movements that are yet to be fully understood. Thus, we examine two main mouthparts of the dragonfly nymph (Libellulidae: Insecta: Odonata) that are used in prey capturing and cutting the prey. To observe and analyze the preying mechanism under water, we used high-speed photography and, electron microscopy. The morphological details suggest that the prey-capturing labium is a complex grasping mechanism with additional sensory organs that serve some functionality. The time taken for the protraction and retraction of labium during prey capture was estimated to be 187 ± 54 ms, suggesting that these nymphs have a rapid prey mechanism. The Young’s modulus and hardness of the mandibles were estimated to be 9.1 ± 1.9 GPa and 0.85 ± 0.13 GPa, respectively. Such mechanical properties of the mandibles make them hard tools that can cut into the exoskeleton of the prey and also resistant to wear. Thus, studying such mechanisms with their sensory capabilities provides a unique opportunity to design and develop bioinspired underwater deployable mechanisms.

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