Linking ecomechanical models and functional traits to understand phenotypic diversity

Abstract

Physical principles and laws determine the set of possible organismal phenotypes. Constraints arising from development, the environment, and evolutionary history then yield workable, integrated phenotypes. We propose a theoretical and practical framework that considers the role of changing environments. This 'ecomechanical approach' integrates functional organismal traits with the ecological variables. This approach informs our ability to predict species shifts in survival and distribution and provides critical insights into phenotypic diversity. We outline how to use the ecomechanical paradigm using drag-induced bending in trees as an example. Our approach can be incorporated into existing research and help build interdisciplinary bridges. Finally, we identify key factors needed for mass data collection, analysis, and the dissemination of models relevant to this framework.Using the ecomechanical approach to understand the rules of life All forms of life must comply with physical laws, resulting in a series of 'universal' or 'hard' constraints (see Glossary) [1,2]. Although these constraints limit the possible phenotypes, 'local' or 'soft' constraints emerge as a consequence of ecological, developmental, and evolutionary processes that determine which phenotypes are adaptive. Thus, any realized phenotype is the result of: (i) physical principles and processes; (ii) the context in which the organism performs the manifold tasks required for growth, survival, and reproduction (i.e., organismenvironment interactions); and (iii) its evolutionary history [1,3]. HighlightsAll organisms must comply with physical laws, which place rigid or hard constraints on survival and reproduction. Ecomechanics is the expression of that interplay, and assumes a central role when considering organismal development, ecology, and evolution.

Jumping with adhesion: landing surface incline alters impact force and body kinematics in crested geckos

“…This potentially has large implications for how animals land on different arboreal surfaces following a fall or jump. Our results are a first step towards developing an ecomchanical model for landing in arboreal geckos 64 . Additional data are needed, including habitat use, fine-scale surface parameters, and performance on real-world surfaces.…”

Clinging performance on natural substrates predicts habitat use in anoles and geckos

“…Despite day geckos having the best clinging performance overall, we found that the ecologically relevant answer to the question, ‘which species has the highest clinging performance?’ depends on which substrates are available in a given habitat. This ‘ecomechanical’ approach is critical for making predictions about species interactions, survival and ultimately fitness (Higham et al., 2021).…”

“…depends on which substrates are available in a given habitat. This 'ecomechanical' approach is critical for making predictions about species interactions, survival and ultimately fitness (Higham et al, 2021).…”

Studies of the Behavioral Sequences: The Neuroethological Morphology Concept Crossing Ethology and Functional Morphology

“…This paradigm applies to all neuromotor patterns performed by animals, with the relationship between “behavior” and “performance” considered as distinct features [ 48 ] playing a key role in determining the behavior. Performance is extracted from precise studies of behavioral sequences investigated using various filming techniques (e.g., high-speed 16 mm and video films, high-speed X-ray films), embarked cameras, and diverse embarked sensors (e.g., electromyography, accelerometers and experimental studies [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]). Although largely discussed, fitness is simply defined here as the ability of the surviving organism to produce offspring that then (at least in part) enter the gene flow process in a population, etc.…”