Life on a Limb: The Evolution of Locomotion in Arboreal Specialists

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

A central question in evolutionary biology is how morphology, function and habitat use have evolved. Arboreal animals have independently evolved many remarkable adapatations for locomotion, sucha as adhesive toepads and prehensile tails that enable them to move through their complex habitats. However, most studies of locomotion have taken place under conditions that approximate terrestrial habitats, yet arboreal habitats pose unique functional challenges for animals because of varying surface diameters and steep inclines. Futher, no studies have examined how animals segregate arboreal habitats based on surface diameters and inclines. The PIs will address these issues by examining a group of eight morphologically diverse arboreal Anolis lizard species whose evolutionary retationships are well-understood. Laboratory studies will reveal the effects of both surfac diameter and incline on the movement patterns (kinematics) and muscle activity patterns (EMGs) of these species, whereas field studies will address how often these species use particular surface diameters and inclines. This Integrative approach will yield important insights into the nature of adaptation and how environmental variables affect locomotion.