Diversity of functional morphological explanation

Dullemeijer, P.

doi:10.1007/bf00046777

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…A deductive nomological procedure for explanation of forms is developed in this paper (cf. Dullemeijer, 1974Dullemeijer, , 1985Dullemeijer and Barel, 1977;Zweers, 1985a). The reasoning is basically similar to that in the twin papers in this series (Zweers, 1991a;see Zweers, 1991b, andZweers et al, 1991, for specifications).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 61%

“…These methodologies, however, do not explicitly discuss quantitative, formal modelling. Zweers (1979Zweers ( , 1985aZweers ( , 1991a has -as an extension of Dullemeijer's suggestions (Dullemeijer, 1974(Dullemeijer, , 1985Dullemeijer and Barel, 1977) for deductive explanation-proposed research schemes for quantitative investigation of integration and transformation in complex organismic systems. Otten (1985) has also developed a quantitative method for studying change in complex systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integration of pecking, filter feeding and drinking mechanisms in waterfowl

Kooloos

Zweers

1991

Acta Biotheor

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This paper is one of several contributions in a series, illustrating the application of a specific deductive methodology to explain diversity of form. The methodology facilitates the explanation of feeding morphologies in various ducks as a transformation of the mallard's feeding design maximized for specific proportions of performance that are contributed by pecking and filter feeding mechanisms. The earlier described anatomy and formal analyses of the three mechanisms in the mallard served as the initial conditions used in simulation models. Four elements of the feeding system were chosen that play a major role in all three mechanisms. For each element, the main parameter was selected: storage capacity of the rostral mouth cavity, transport capacity of the rostral mouth tube, storage capacity of the caudal mouth cavity and transport capacity of the caudal mouth tube. The boundary conditions for the simulation were determined from internal organismic constraints. The total food uptake of the mallard was regarded as the function to be maximized. This 'object' function is the summation of the food uptake by one second of pecking and one second of filter feeding. The drinking mechanism was shown not to interfere, since that mechanism operates sufficiently whenever the pumping mechanism works properly. The 'object' function, made up by the pecking and filter feeding performances was graphed. From these graphs a morphospace was developed: the region within which modifications of the mouth design are feasible. This procedure allowed examination of the general hypothesis that different modifications of one design for a complex multi-role system are explainable from differences in proportions of the functional performance contributed by each of the roles. Two predictions were evaluated more specifically: 1) If filter feeding performance must increase for a specific change in total food uptake, the volume of the rostral mouth cavity must increase; this requires widening and lengthening of the rostral maxillar portion and also a phase shift in jaw and lingual motion patterns, increasing the stroke volume. 2) If pecking performance must increase, the transport capacity of the rostral mouth tube must increase; this requires shortening of the maxillar mid portion. These two predictions regarding change in mouth morphology were borne out by shovelers and tufted ducks, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 61%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integration of pecking, filter feeding and drinking mechanisms in waterfowl

Kooloos

Zweers

1991

Acta Biotheor

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“…The degree of coincidence determines the explanatory value. This reasoning clearly follows the approach of Hempel (1965) and Dullemeijer (1985). They state in general and for functional morphology, respectively, that a feature (explanandum) is explained if it can be described as a specific transformation (explanatory theory) of a known feature (explanans).…”

Section: Deduction Of Construction Via Transformationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dullemeijer, 1974Dullemeijer, , 1985Bock, 1985). Deductive explanation requires formal analysis of the systems studied, and allows therefore a rigorous testing of its premises and predictions by verification and falsification.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transformation of avian feeding mechanisms: A deductive method

Zweers

1991

Acta Biotheor

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A methodology is proposed as a tool for explanation of form in zoomorphology, in particular its design, diversity, and transformation. An alternate use of descriptive, inductive/comparative, and deductive methods is suggested. The basic concepts required are summarized. Following an extensive anatomical analysis a specific deductive methodology is developed, comprising three major parts: 1) Formal analysis of systems, using optimal design. 2) Transformation of an initial system's model by simulating modifications via maximizing the model for specific functional requirements. 3) Testing by comparison of deduced modifications with real systems having the maximized functional capacily, trends in specific morphoclines, and empirical analogues from technology.The methodology produces a morpho-space of modifications that has the form of branching pathways. That pattern results from innovation, bifurcation, and radiation moments in the deduction. The morpho-space is converted in a mechano-space by including next to constructional characters those of operation and rolefulfilment. If the initial system is verified as the ancestor and the transformationfunction is verified as the evolutionary theme of change, the explanation turns -in addition to a function anatomical one-also into an evolutionary one. The method is illustrated by reviewing some recent analyses about avian feeding: maximization of avian pecking for probing and filter feeding capacities.By adding certain extra prerequisitcs to the methodological procedure, the mechano-space is prepared to serve as a frame for development of evolutionary hypotheses. Then the branching pattern of the mechano-space is completed with a narrative hypothesis on evolutionary diversification, using sufficient design, and an inductive method. The result is tested against independently derived hypotheses and paleontological data. It is assumed that new behavioral capacities can arise by the origin of epiphenomena so that new areas can be intruded. In addition morphogenetic mechanisms that incorparate these new behavioral changes are assumed. The method is illustrated by reviewing a recent analysis that explains first why pecking is the ancestral feeding mechanism in Neornithes, and second how diversification of probing and filter feeding mechanisms may have evolved in waterfowl, waders, and flamingoes. The results are tested against independently derived evolutionary hypotheses. 16

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Ontogeny of feeding in pigeons: A cinefluoroscopic and electromyographic analysis

Gennip

Berkhoudt

1994

J. Exp. Zool.

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This study presents a cinefluoroscopic and electromyographic analysis of the feeding behavior of squab during regurgitation feeding. Two phases are distinguished in this behavior: the gaping phase, in which the squab holds its beak wide open while the parent compresses its crop; and the snapping phase, in which the squab opens and closes its beak several times while the parent raises its head. Unlike adult food uptake, the transport of food in squab occurs passively, using the flow in the crop contents which is caused by the compression of the crop of the parent. This feeding behavior does not change when squab grow older, but on average the duration of the gaping phase increases and the duration of the snapping phase decreases. Even squab of 19 days old, which are capable of independent feeding, display the same type of feeding behavior when they feed from the crop of the parent. A gradual transition from ontogenetic feeding to adult feeding or drinking behaviour is not observed, neither in movement patterns, nor in EMG patterns.

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Diversity of functional morphological explanation

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Integration of pecking, filter feeding and drinking mechanisms in waterfowl

Integration of pecking, filter feeding and drinking mechanisms in waterfowl

Transformation of avian feeding mechanisms: A deductive method

Ontogeny of feeding in pigeons: A cinefluoroscopic and electromyographic analysis

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