Hind foot drumming: Myosin heavy chain muscle fiber distribution in the hind limb muscles of three African mole‐rat species (Bathyergidae)

Abstract

Hind foot drumming as a form of seismic signaling plays a pivotal role in the communication of various mammalian species including Bathyergidae (African mole-rats). The aim of the present study was to histologically determine if the action of hind foot drumming would influence the number of type II fibers present in the hind limb muscles of two drumming (Georychus capensis and Bathyergus suillus) and one non-drumming (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis) bathyergid species. Twenty-one frozen muscles of each

Muscle architecture and muscle fibre type composition in the forelimb of two African mole‐rat species, Bathyergus suillus and Heterocephalus glaber

“…Furthermore, the high force output of SuS may provide a stabilising function (Moore et al, 2013) to support the larger body mass of B. suillus which requires relatively large forces for locomotion, scratch-digging and balance during hind foot drumming (Lamas et al, 2014;Martin et al, 2019;Randall, 2014;Williams et al, 2007). This is further supported by the lower percentages of MHC II fibres that were observed in the forelimb muscles of B. suillus, when compared to their hind limb muscles (Sahd, Doubell, et al, 2022).…”

“…A Novolink Polymer detection system (CAS: RE7150‐CE; LOT: 6029001; Leica Biosystems ) and diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB; LOT: 6072346; Leica Biosystems ) were used to detect positive staining of the MHC I fibres. This staining protocol is similar to the protocol described by Kalmar et al (2012) and Sahd, Doubell, et al (2022). Briefly, the frozen slides were brought to room‐temperature before staining.…”

“…See Tables 4 and 5 for muscle abbreviations. (2012) and Sahd, Doubell, et al (2022). Briefly, the frozen slides were brought to room-temperature before staining.…”

“…Multiple studies on subterranean rodents have suggested that species‐specific behaviours such as hind foot‐drumming, chisel‐tooth digging and scratch‐digging may influence the morphology of their limbs (Fransescoli, 2000; Hildebrand, 1985; Lehmann, 1963; Rose et al, 2013; Sahd et al, 2019, 2020, 2021; Sahd, Bennett, et al, 2022; Sahd, Doubell, et al, 2022). Subterranean rodents exhibit different methods of soil excavation during burrowing, which may be influenced by their unique habitat, such as soil hardness, rainfall and type of vegetation cover (Hildebrand, 1985; Kubiak et al, 2018; Lessa et al, 2008), or phylogeny (Lehmann, 1963).…”