Tara E. Prestholdt, Stephanie M. Rager, Jake N. Williams, C. Weilhoefer
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引用次数: 4
Abstract
ABSTRACT Autotomy is the ability to shed an appendage, and arthropods can autotomize to escape predation or a fouled molting event. Myriad aspects of autotomy have been previously explored, yet quantitative data on the force needed to induce autotomy is lacking. We tested three leg types in Hemigrapsus nudus, and our results showed that hind legs require the most amount of force to autotomize (~45 N-s) compared to claws (~28 N-s) or middle walking legs (~22 N-s). These results rejected our null hypothesis that all legs require an equal amount of force to autotomize as well as our alternate hypothesis that larger legs would require more force than smaller legs. Previous research has suggested that the propensity to autotomize could correlate with the type of appendage, and while we are unable to provide an evolutionary explanation for our results, it is exciting to have some quantitative force data for future studies.
期刊介绍:
Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology is devoted to the publication of papers covering field and laboratory research into all aspects of the behaviour and physiology of all marine and freshwater animals within the contexts of ecology, evolution and conservation.
As the living resources of the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes are attracting increasing attention as food sources for humans and for their role in global ecology, the journal will also publish the results of research in the areas of fisheries biology and technology where the behaviour and physiology described have clear links to the contexts mentioned above.
The journal will accept for publication Research Articles, Reviews, Rapid Communications and Technical Notes (see Instructions for authors for details). In addition, Editorials, Opinions and Book Reviews (invited and suggested) will also occasionally be published. Suggestions to the Editor-In-Chief for Special Issues are encouraged and will be considered on an ad hoc basis.
With the goal of supporting early career researchers, the journal particularly invites submissions from graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. In addition to recognising the time constraints and logistical limitations their research often faces, and their particular need for a prompt review process, accepted articles by such researchers will be given prominence within the journal (see Instructions for authors for details).