Geckos decouple fore- and hind limb kinematics in response to changes in incline

Birn-Jeffery, Aleksandra V.; Higham, Timothy E.

doi:10.1186/s12983-016-0144-2

Cited by 24 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 97 publications

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“…Geckos with basal pads, including Tarentola (Russell & Higham, ), are known to operate their digits in two functional modes. On horizontal surfaces, the pad‐bearing portions of the digits are maintained in a permanently hyperextended configuration, with the digit bases alone making contact with the locomotor substratum (Russell & Higham, ; Collins, Russell & Higham, ; Birn‐Jeffery & Higham, ). On inclines (Russell & Higham, ), the adhesive pads are recruited and make contact with the substratum, effecting adhesive contact with surfaces that permit this.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Left in the dust: differential effectiveness of the two alternative adhesive pad configurations in geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota)

Russell

Delaugerre

2016

Journal of Zoology

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Two distinctive patterns of adhesive toepad are found in the Gekkotaterminal leaf-like pads situated at the distal ends of the digits, and basal pads that encroach more proximally along the digits, are proportionally larger and are associated with more than just the ungual and distal portion of the penultimate phalanges. Although these two configurations have long been recognized, there has been no explanation of whether or not they are functionally different. A small offshore island provided a potential arena for testing the possibility of differential functionality of these two patterns. Euleptes europaea, a leaf-padded taxon, is widespread on Giraglia Island (Corsica), whereas Tarentola mauritanica, a basally padded recent colonizer, has remained restricted to its one concrete building. Challenges to adhesion occur on dusty surfaces, and the self-cleaning mechanism of gecko setal fields can be rendered ineffective if the dust is ubiquitous. Giraglia is composed of prasinite, an inherently friable and dusty schist. The leaf-like terminal pads of E. europaea can be withdrawn from close contact with dusty surfaces, leaving the claws alone to provide traction. The digits of T. mauritanica more fully integrate the claws and adhesive pad, with full-digit hyperextension rendering the claws alone incapable of gripping the surface. Colonization of Giraglia by T. mauritanica has failed because its adhesive system is incompatible with the island's rocky terrain. This has permitted the relictual E. europaea to persist in the face of potentially intense competition. Our findings shed light on the previously noted association of leaf-like pads with rupicolous habits, and indicate that an enhanced understanding of particular surfaces that leaf-padded geckos exploit may further clarify how definitive these associations are.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Left in the dust: differential effectiveness of the two alternative adhesive pad configurations in geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota)

Russell

Delaugerre

2016

Journal of Zoology

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“…Far more studies have examined the effects of incline on locomotor kinematics in lizards than perch diameter [ 4 , 32 , 36 , 38 , 51 , 52 , 19 , 28 , 53 , 37 , 54 , 55 ]. As incline increases, the impact of gravity acts to pull the animal down the slope.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arboreal Day Geckos (Phelsuma madagascariensis) Differentially Modulate Fore- and Hind Limb Kinematics in Response to Changes in Habitat Structure

Zhuang

Higham

2016

PLoS ONE

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By using adhesion, geckos can move through incredibly challenging habitats. However, continually changing terrain may necessitate modulation of the adhesive apparatus in order to maximize its effectiveness over a range of challenges. Behaviorally modulating how the adhesive system is applied can occur by altering the alignment of the foot relative to the long axis of the body and/or the angles between the digits (interdigital angle). Given the directionality of the adhesive system, geckos likely vary the application of the system via these mechanisms as they run. We quantified 3D movements (using high-speed video) of the day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis, running on a range of ecologically relevant inclines (0°, 45°, 90°) and perch diameters (1.5 cm, 10 cm and broad). We measured the instantaneous sum of interdigital angles and foot alignment relative to the body, as well as other kinematic variables, throughout each stride and across treatments. Modulation of foot alignment at 45° and 90° was similar between the forelimb and hind limb, but differed at 0°, suggesting that P. madagascariensis is able to exert an adhesive force using multiple strategies. Both the sum of interdigital angles and alignment in the fore- and hind foot were modulated. Differences in modulation between the limbs are likely related to the underlying morphology. The modulation of interdigital angle and foot alignment suggests that aspects other than the mechanism of adhesion, such as joint morphology, are important for arboreal movement in geckos. Our study of foot usage in arboreal locomotion reveals patterns that may be widespread across pad-bearing lizards. In addition to understanding the constraints exerted by the adhesive apparatus, we highlight how biomechanical traits may respond to the evolution of novel adaptations and morphologies.

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“…The authors declare that they have no competing interests. [22,23,33,47]; •-2 [2,48]; ○-1 [34,42]; ○-2 [46,49]; ○-3 [32,38]; ○-4 [50]; ○-5 [1])…”

Section: Declarationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptation Strategy In Attachment–Detachment Cycles When Faced With Changes In Incline And Orientation During Gecko Climbing

Zong¹,

Wang²,

Wang³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Background: Geckos are endowed with the extraordinary capacity to move quickly in various environments; they benefit from efficient control for the complex footpads. Research on the locomotor behavior and contact status in the attachment–detachment (A-D) cycle of the footpads for diverse challenges is linked to the revelation of regulatory strategy. At present, there is a lack of systematic research for the A-D cycle, which limits the understanding of the adhesive locomotion mechanism.Methods: The A-D cycle that facilitates the level and up–down locomotion on inclined and vertical surfaces of Gekko gecko was investigated to clarify the locomotion postures and durations in the release, swing, contact, and adhesion stages, respectively. This reveals the relationship between the structure and function of the attachment devices, and its regulation when faced with changing locomotion demands.Results: Despite changes in climbing demands, gecko foot locomotion posture (angle extremes and changing trends) in the swing stage, the posture (bending angle: fore 41°, hind 51°) and contact time ratio (7.42%) in the contact stage remain unchanged, which is in contrast with the adjustable postures in the stance phase. Furthermore, the variation range of the forefoot locomotion posture is larger than that of the hindfoot, and the forefoot angle changing trend is opposite to that of the hindfoot, indicating that the combination of anatomical structure and functional demands results in the differentiation in the adaptation mode of the A-D cycle for the fore- and hindfoot. Conclusions: Gecko’s fore- and hindfoot have evolved different structures to undertake differential functions. The function (adhesion) for various locomotion demands relates to footpad deployment in the stance phase but is unaffected by the regulations (postures and durations) in the swing and contact stages. The results demonstrate that the unified adaptation strategy reduces the diversity and complexity of the control. It advances the understanding of the adhesive locomotion mechanism, reflects the structural evolution and adaptation strategy of attachment devices for functional requirements and provides biological inspiration for effective design and control of adhesion robots.

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Geckos decouple fore- and hind limb kinematics in response to changes in incline

Cited by 24 publications

References 97 publications

Left in the dust: differential effectiveness of the two alternative adhesive pad configurations in geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota)

Left in the dust: differential effectiveness of the two alternative adhesive pad configurations in geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota)

Arboreal Day Geckos (Phelsuma madagascariensis) Differentially Modulate Fore- and Hind Limb Kinematics in Response to Changes in Habitat Structure

Adaptation Strategy In Attachment–Detachment Cycles When Faced With Changes In Incline And Orientation During Gecko Climbing

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