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Forelimb position affects facultative bipedal locomotion in lizards.

Chase T Kinsey1, Lance D McBrayer2

  • 1Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, PO Box 8042-1, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA.

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|October 28, 2018
PubMed
Summary

Lizards use forelimb movements to shift their body center of mass (BCoM) for bipedal running, especially when accelerating or crossing obstacles. Body shape and forelimb position influence this facultative bipedalism.

Keywords:
AspidoscelisCenter of massObstacleSceloporusSprint

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Zoology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Bipedal locomotion in lizards aids in obstacle negotiation.
  • Understanding bipedalism beyond acceleration thresholds and the role of forelimb position is limited.
  • The body center of mass (BCoM) dynamics during facultative bipedalism require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify bipedalism frequency with and without obstacles during sprinting.
  • To examine the influence of forelimb position on the BCoM during bipedal running.
  • To compare these effects across lizard species with contrasting body forms.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified bipedalism frequency in two lizard species (Sceloporus woodi and Aspidoscelis sexlineata) during sprints with and without obstacles.
  • Measured forelimb positions during bipedal running at sprint initiation and obstacle crossing.
  • Analyzed the relationship between forelimb position, BCoM, and bipedal posture.

Main Results:

  • Aspidoscelis sexlineata predominantly used bipedalism during sprints, unlike Sceloporus woodi.
  • Forelimb extension shifted the BCoM posteriorly, facilitating bipedal transitions in A. sexlineata but not S. woodi.
  • Body plan (trunk and tail length) and forelimb placement interact with acceleration to influence BCoM and bipedalism.

Conclusions:

  • Lizard species exhibit species-specific morphological and behavioral adaptations for facultative bipedalism.
  • Forelimb positioning is a key factor in adjusting the BCoM for sustained bipedal running.
  • These adjustments are crucial for transitioning to and maintaining bipedal posture during high-speed locomotion.