Hydrostatic locomotion in a limbless tetrapod

Article Abstract:

The caecilians are an ancient group of burrowing amphibians whose anatomy is unusual. This observation is caused by their remarkably robust skulls, unique muscular features and vertebral columns that move independently of the skin and their associated musculature. These features enable caecilians to move hydrostatically, a movement that they generate by using their entire body. Testing the observation on the Central American species Dermophis mexicanus by applying force to the ring of tendons encircling its body cavity, the caecilians were found to generate twice as much forward force as a burrowing snake of similar size.

Analysis, Amphibians, Animal anatomy, Locomotion, Animal locomotion

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Wing bone stresses in free flying bats and the evolution of skeletal design for flight

Article Abstract:

Measurement of stresses, strains, shears and torques on the wing bones of bats in flight sheds light on the evolution of these bones in response to the requirements of flight, so different from those of terrestrial locomotion. Bones provide rigid anchors and lever arms for muscles, yet to maximize flying efficiency they must minimize weight. The design of bats' skeletons reflects these imperatives.

Bats, Bats (Animals), Wings (Animal), Animal wings, Animal flight

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Independent evolution of running in vampire bats

Article Abstract:

Vampire bats' ability to run seems to have evolved independently within the bat lineage. The common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) can run by using a unique binding gait, in which the forelimbs instead of the hindlimbs are recruited for force production as the wings are much more powerful than the legs.

United States, Science & research, Research, Behavior, Vampire bats

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