The Effect of Thermally Robust Ballistic Mechanisms on Climatic Niche in Salamanders

Friedman, Sarah T.; Muñoz, Martha M.

doi:10.1093/iob/obac020

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 88 publications

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“…Climatic features are major determinants of ectothermic species distributions [48][49][50], and functional traits with thermal robustness could promote climate niche expansion in ectotherms by relaxing the thermal constraint [51]. Viperid snakes are distributed from the northern limit (69°N) to the southern limit (47°S) of the range of Squamata (lizards and snakes) [52,53].…”

Section: (B) Ecological Significancementioning

confidence: 99%

Cold kiss still hot: limited temperature effects on envenomation performance in predatory strikes of a Japanese pit viper ( Gloydius blomhoffii )

Kodama,

Sakamoto,

Mori

2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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Understanding how environmental factors affect the performance of predators can provide profound insights into predator–prey interactions from evolutionary and ecological perspectives and the global distributional patterns of each taxon. Almost all venomous predators are ectotherms, with muscle contraction properties depending on temperature. For predators having venom transportation systems driven by muscle contraction, temperature may have quite large effects on envenomation performance for prey subjugation. Here, we used videography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to examine thermal effects on envenomation kinematics and venom expenditure in predatory strikes of a venomous snake, the Mamushi Gloydius blomhoffii , to its main rodent prey at various body temperatures under both field and laboratory experimental conditions. Unexpectedly, we found that the thermal effects on envenomation performance are limited over nearly the entire ecologically relevant range of temperature (from 13.2°C to 26.2°C). Although temperature statistically significantly affected the mass of venom injected under field conditions, temperature explained only a minor proportion of the variation in venom expenditure. These findings suggest that the Mamushi is able to maintain prey subjugation performance across a wide range of temperatures, which is highly advantageous for ectothermic predators. Further studies should examine the underlying mechanisms of the limited thermal effects and their ubiquity across venomous predators.

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Section: (B) Ecological Significancementioning

confidence: 99%

Cold kiss still hot: limited temperature effects on envenomation performance in predatory strikes of a Japanese pit viper ( Gloydius blomhoffii )

Kodama,

Sakamoto,

Mori

2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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Latch-mediated spring actuation (LaMSA): the power of integrated biomechanical systems

Patek

2023

Journal of Experimental Biology

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Across the tree of life – from fungi to frogs – organisms wield small amounts of energy to generate fast and potent movements. These movements are propelled with elastic structures, and their loading and release are mediated by latch-like opposing forces. They comprise a class of elastic mechanisms termed latch-mediated spring actuation (LaMSA). Energy flow through LaMSA begins when an energy source loads elastic element(s) in the form of elastic potential energy. Opposing forces, often termed latches, prevent movement during loading of elastic potential energy. As the opposing forces are shifted, reduced or removed, elastic potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy of the spring and propelled mass. Removal of the opposing forces can occur instantaneously or throughout the movement, resulting in dramatically different outcomes for consistency and control of the movement. Structures used for storing elastic potential energy are often distinct from mechanisms that propel the mass: elastic potential energy is often distributed across surfaces and then transformed into localized mechanisms for propulsion. Organisms have evolved cascading springs and opposing forces not only to serially reduce the duration of energy release, but often to localize the most energy-dense events outside of the body to sustain use without self-destruction. Principles of energy flow and control in LaMSA biomechanical systems are emerging at a rapid pace. New discoveries are catalyzing remarkable growth of the historic field of elastic mechanisms through experimental biomechanics, synthesis of novel materials and structures, and high-performance robotics systems.

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The Effect of Thermally Robust Ballistic Mechanisms on Climatic Niche in Salamanders

Cited by 2 publications

References 88 publications

Cold kiss still hot: limited temperature effects on envenomation performance in predatory strikes of a Japanese pit viper ( Gloydius blomhoffii )

Cold kiss still hot: limited temperature effects on envenomation performance in predatory strikes of a Japanese pit viper ( Gloydius blomhoffii )

Latch-mediated spring actuation (LaMSA): the power of integrated biomechanical systems

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