2016
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf0984
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Tail use improves performance on soft substrates in models of early vertebrate land locomotors

Abstract: In the evolutionary transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment, early tetrapods faced the challenges of terrestrial locomotion on flowable substrates, such as sand and mud of variable stiffness and incline. The morphology and range of motion of appendages can be revealed in fossils; however, biological and robophysical studies of modern taxa have shown that movement on such substrates can be sensitive to small changes in appendage use. Using a biological model (the mudskipper), a physical robot mo… Show more

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Cited by 87 publications
(82 citation statements)
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“…In millipedes that exist today, these systems deter vertebrate predators (45). Hunting in a crocodile-like manner resolves a certain logical tension between the specializations for fully aquatic life seen in the elpistostegalians and adaptations that seem better suited for brief forays onto land: larger eyes and limbs (9, 10) significantly supplemented by tail movement (46).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In millipedes that exist today, these systems deter vertebrate predators (45). Hunting in a crocodile-like manner resolves a certain logical tension between the specializations for fully aquatic life seen in the elpistostegalians and adaptations that seem better suited for brief forays onto land: larger eyes and limbs (9, 10) significantly supplemented by tail movement (46).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…We previously studied the crutching motion of mudskippers and turtles which use limbs to traverse granular matter (GM) substrates. These animals managed the changes they introduced to the material by avoiding their own tracks with large-enough steps [23, 24]. Sidewinder rattlesnakes employ a similar strategy, using a specialized two-wave waveform to “step” across the surface, minimizing slipping and avoiding their own tracks by creating static contacts with the substrate [25, 26].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Species that are more amphibious typically have more traits associated with terrestrial excursions. These traits often include desiccation tolerance, the ability to extract oxygen from air and morphological adaptations that allow for effective terrestrial locomotor behaviours (Bressman et al, 2016;Gibb et al, 2013;Horn et al, 1999;Mandic et al, 2009;Martin, 1991;McInroe et al, 2016;Standen et al, 2014;Taylor et al, 2008;Wright & Turko, 2016). The evolution of effective terrestrial locomotor behaviours is necessary for amphibious fishes and adaptive for intertidal fishes, like killifishes Fundulus spp.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%