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Related Experiment Videos

Running on water: Three-dimensional force generation by basilisk lizards.

S Tonia Hsieh1, George V Lauder

  • 1Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. sthsieh@oeb.harvard.edu

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|November 20, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Basilisk lizards run on water by generating significant support and propulsive forces. They use dynamic stabilization strategies, including large transverse forces, to overcome the challenges of yielding surfaces.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Locomotion
  • Fluid dynamics

Background:

  • Legged locomotion on yielding surfaces presents stability challenges.
  • Basilisk lizards (Basiliscus plumifrons) are known for their water-running ability, evading predators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure forces produced by juvenile basilisk lizards running on water.
  • To understand the mechanics of water running and dynamic stabilization on yielding surfaces.

Main Methods:

  • Direct measurement of time-averaged forces during water running.
  • Digital particle image velocimetry to visualize fluid flow and foot-induced water movement.

Main Results:

  • Sufficient support and propulsive forces are generated for water running.

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  • Greatest forces occur during the initial downward foot movement.
  • Large, dynamic transverse forces (medial to lateral) contribute to stability.

    • Conclusions:

    • Juvenile basilisk lizards employ novel strategies for water running.
    • These strategies challenge established principles of legged locomotion mechanics on yielding surfaces.