The Terrific Skink bite force suggests insularity as a likely driver to exceptional resource use

Jowers, Michael J.; Simone, Yuri; Herrel, Anthony; Cabezas, M. Pilar; Xavier, Raquel; Holden, Magaly; Boistel, Renaud; Murphy, John C.; Santin, Mathieu; Caut, Stéphane; Meijden, Arie van der; Andreone, Franco; Ineich, Ivan

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-08148-6

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 64 publications

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“…In Pachyrhynchus weevils, the force needed to fracture the cuticle of mature weevils exceeded the maximum bite force of their lizard predators, thus providing some protection against predation (Wang et al, 2018). As a counter example, the bite force of island skinks significantly exceeded the exoskeleton hardness of its putative prey, the crab Geograpsus grayi (Jowers et al, 2022). Predators of crayfish in the genus Faxonius include fishes (which prey primarily on smaller crayfish), mammals, and birds (England & Krupa, 2000).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Size, but not sex, predicts pinch force and exoskeleton mechanical properties in crayfish of the genus Faxonius

Benson

Clotfelter

2023

Invertebrate Biology

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Studies of animal weaponry and defensive structures rarely take into consideration their underlying mechanical properties. We measured the compressive strength and thickness of the exoskeleton of the claw (chela) in two North American crayfish species, Faxonius virilis and F. limosus. We performed similar measures on the carapace, a body region not directly involved in agonistic contests. Males of both species generated significantly stronger maximum pinch forces than females. However, these differences can be attributed to differences in claw size between the sexes. The thickness (ultrastructure) of the claw exoskeleton was a significant predictor of its compressive strength and likely explained the difference in compressive strength we observed between the two species. Neither claw thickness nor claw compressive strength was correlated with maximum pinch force. Additionally, we found that crayfish body size was a strong predictor of carapace compressive strength and thickness, whereas sex was not. The claw had greater compressive strength and thickness than the corresponding values for the carapace. Our study shows that the mechanical properties of the crayfish exoskeleton are largely a function of size and highlights the need to integrate mechanical properties into studies of animal morphology and performance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Size, but not sex, predicts pinch force and exoskeleton mechanical properties in crayfish of the genus Faxonius

Benson

Clotfelter

2023

Invertebrate Biology

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Skinks of Oceania, New Guinea, and Eastern Wallacea: an underexplored biodiversity hotspot

Slavenko

Allison

Austin

et al. 2023

Pacific Conserv. Biol.

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Context. Skinks comprise the dominant component of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna in Oceania, New Guinea, and Eastern Wallacea (ONGEW). However, knowledge of their diversity is incomplete, and their conservation needs are poorly understood. Aims. To explore the diversity and threat status of the skinks of ONGEW and identify knowledge gaps and conservation needs. Methods. We compiled a list of all skink species occurring in the region and their threat categories designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We used available genetic sequences deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's GenBank to generate a phylogeny of the region's skinks. We then assessed their diversity within geographical sub-divisions and compared to other reptile taxa in the region. Key results. Approximately 300 species of skinks occur in ONGEW, making it the second largest global hotspot of skink diversity following Australia. Many phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved, and many species and genera are in need of taxonomic revision. One in five species are threatened with extinction, a higher proportion than almost all reptile families in the region. Conclusions. ONGEW contain a large proportion of global skink diversity on <1% of the Earth's landmass. Many are endemic and face risks such as habitat loss and invasive predators. Yet, little is known about them, and many species require taxonomic revision and threat level re-assessment. Implications. The skinks of ONGEW are a diverse yet underexplored group of terrestrial vertebrates, with many species likely facing extreme risks in the near future. Further research is needed to understand the threats they face and how to protect them.

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The Terrific Skink bite force suggests insularity as a likely driver to exceptional resource use

Cited by 2 publications

References 64 publications

Size, but not sex, predicts pinch force and exoskeleton mechanical properties in crayfish of the genus Faxonius

Size, but not sex, predicts pinch force and exoskeleton mechanical properties in crayfish of the genus Faxonius

Skinks of Oceania, New Guinea, and Eastern Wallacea: an underexplored biodiversity hotspot

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