Journal article
Lizard tricks: Overcoming conflicting requirements of speed versus climbing ability by altering biomechanics of the lizard stride
Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol.216(20), pp.3854-3862
2013
Abstract
Adaptations promoting greater performance in one habitat are thought to reduce performance in others. However, there are many examples of animals in which, despite habitat differences, such predicted differences in performance do not occur. One such example is the relationship between locomotory performance to habitat for varanid lizards. To explain the lack of difference in locomotor performance we examined detailed observations of the kinematics of each lizard's stride. Differences in kinematics were greatest between climbing and non-climbing species. For terrestrial lizards, the kinematics indicated that increased femur adduction, femur rotation and ankle angle all contributed positively to changes in stride length, but they were constrained for climbing species, probably because of biomechanical restrictions on the centre of mass height (to increase stability on vertical surfaces). Despite climbing species having restricted stride length, no differences have been previously reported in sprint speed between climbing and non-climbing varanids. This is best explained by climbing varanids using an alternative speed modulation strategy of varying stride frequency to avoid the potential trade-off of speed versus stability on vertical surfaces. Thus, by measuring the relevant biomechanics for lizard strides, we have shown how kinematic differences among species can mask performance differences typically associated with habitat variation. © 2013. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.
Details
- Title
- Lizard tricks: Overcoming conflicting requirements of speed versus climbing ability by altering biomechanics of the lizard stride
- Authors
- Christofer J Clemente (Author) - University of QueenslandP C Withers (Author) - University of Western AustraliaG Thompson (Author) - Terrestrial Ecosystems, AustraliaD Lloyd (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol.216(20), pp.3854-3862
- Publisher
- Company of Biologists Ltd.
- Date published
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1242/jeb.089060
- ISSN
- 0022-0949
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2013 Company of Biologists Ltd. Reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449239602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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