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Joint angular excursions during cyclical behaviors differ between tetrapod feeding and locomotor systems
Michael C Granatosky1, Eric J McElroy2, Myra F Laird3
1Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA mgranatosky@uchicago.edu.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|April 11, 2019
Summary
Locomotion joints in tetrapods show greater movement and evolutionary change than jaw joints during feeding. This reflects distinct optimization strategies for movement versus chewing across diverse species.
Area of Science:
- Comparative biomechanics
- Evolutionary morphology
- Tetrapod biology
Background:
- Musculoskeletal systems for feeding and locomotion are typically studied independently.
- Understanding how natural selection utilizes shared musculoskeletal components for different functions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare joint angular excursions in feeding (chewing) and locomotor (walking, running) systems across tetrapods.
- To explore differences in optimality criteria between these systems within a phylogenetic context.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of average joint angular excursions during cyclic behaviors (chewing, walking, running).
- Phylogenetic comparative analysis across 111 tetrapod species.
Main Results:
- Limb joints exhibit greater average angular excursions during locomotion than jaw joints during chewing.
- Limb joint excursions are more evolutionarily variable (labile) than jaw joint excursions.
- Tetrapod locomotor systems are optimized for speed and efficiency over a wide range of displacements.
Conclusions:
- Locomotor systems prioritize broad, adaptable movement, while feeding systems focus on precise force application for substrate breakdown.
- Divergent evolutionary pressures on feeding and locomotion have shaped distinct musculoskeletal performance criteria in tetrapods.
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