The biodynamics of arboreal locomotion: the effects of substrate diameter on locomotor kinetics in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

@article{Lammers2004TheBO,
  title={The biodynamics of arboreal locomotion: the effects of substrate diameter on locomotor kinetics in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)},
  author={Andrew R. Lammers and Audrone R. Biknevicius},
  journal={Journal of Experimental Biology},
  year={2004},
  volume={207},
  pages={4325 - 4336}
}
SUMMARY Effects of substrate diameter on locomotor biodynamics were studied in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Two horizontal substrates were used: a flat `terrestrial' trackway with a force platform integrated into the surface and a cylindrical `arboreal' trackway (20.3 mm diameter) with a force-transducer instrumented region. On both terrestrial and arboreal substrates, fore limbs exhibited higher vertical impulse and peak vertical force than hind limbs. Although… 
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The effects of substrate texture on the mechanics of quadrupedal arboreal locomotion in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica).
  • A. R. Lammers
  • Biology, Environmental Science
    Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological genetics and physiology
  • 2009
TLDR
Stability on the rough trackway was probably maintained by relatively high momentum, but on the smooth trackway, the opossums used static methods to remain stable and avoid toppling, indicating that highly arboreal animals can remain dynamically stable on a wider variety of substrate textures.
Locomotor kinetics and kinematics on inclines and declines in the gray short-tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica
TLDR
Training gray short-tailed opossums to move along level, 30° inclined, and 30° declined trackways instrumented with a force platform revealed differences on the inclined and declined surfaces most likely result from the location of the opossum's center of mass, which is closer to the forelimbs than to the hindlimbs, and the greater functional range of the fore- vs- hindlimb function.
Biodynamics of climbing: effects of substrate orientation on the locomotion of a highly arboreal lizard (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
TLDR
It is found that forelimbs and hindlimbs contribute equally to the body's progression along inclines and declines, and the higher-positioned limb's vertical impulses decreased with slope, and although vertical impulses in the lower- positioned limb increased with substrate slope, peak vertical forces decreased.
Locomotor kinetics on sloped arboreal and terrestrial substrates in a small quadrupedal mammal.
The kinematic consequences of locomotion on sloped arboreal substrates in a generalized (Rattus norvegicus) and a specialized (Sciurus vulgaris) rodent
TLDR
The results revealed that rats and European red squirrels utilize comparable locomotor adjustments despite significant differences in travel speed and gait, and suggest that mammals that lack, or have reduced, grasping abilities try to maintain the locomotor mode used during horizontal branch locomotion on inclined branches for as long as possible.
Arboreal locomotion in rats – the challenge of maintaining stability
TLDR
Clawed mammals and primates share the reduction of vertical oscillations and side-to-side fluctuations, a crouched posture as well as the increase in lateral spine movements, which are behavioral adaptations caused by the biomechanical constraints of small branch locomotion, regardless of the way they make contact with the substrate.
Mechanics of torque generation during quadrupedal arboreal locomotion.
Effects of perch diameter and incline on the kinematics, performance and modes of arboreal locomotion of corn snakes (Elaphe guttata)
TLDR
The numerous effects of perch diameter on kinematics and the similarity to tunnel concertina locomotion emphasize the importance of fit as a limitation in arboreal locomotion of snakes, however, the slower speeds on horizontal perches compared to tunnels also suggest that balance and grip may further limit locomotor performance.
Comparing the Arboreal Gaits of Muscardinus avellanarius and Glis glis (Gliridae, Rodentia): A First Quantitative Analysis
TLDR
It is suggested that the observed differences in gait metrics may be related to body size and to the utilization of different microhabitats, reducing potential interspecific competition.
Mechanics of generating friction during locomotion on rough and smooth arboreal trackways
  • A. R. Lammers
  • Environmental Science, Biology
    Journal of Experimental Biology
  • 2009
TLDR
It is predicted that arboreal specialists will show less change in performance between rough and smooth ar boreal trackways because of their greater ability to grasp or maintain contact with arborean substrates.
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