The evolution of digit form in Gonatodes (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae) and its bearing on the transition from frictional to adhesive contact in gekkotans

@article{Russell2015TheEO,
  title={The evolution of digit form in Gonatodes (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae) and its bearing on the transition from frictional to adhesive contact in gekkotans},
  author={Anthony Patrick Russell and Joelle D Baskerville and Tony Gamble and Timothy E. Higham},
  journal={Journal of Morphology},
  year={2015},
  volume={276}
}
Although the phenomenon of adhesion in geckos has been intensively studied for over 200 years, our understanding of how the morphological apparatus associated with this arose is less clear. Indeed, whether or not all of the intricate morphological hierarchy that is implicated in the attachment and removal of the adhesive setae originated at the same time is unknown. To explore whether setae may have arisen prior to the other parts of this structural hierarchy, we undertook morphological… 
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26 Citations

On the origin of frictional adhesion in geckos: small morphological changes lead to a major biomechanical transition in the genus Gonatodes

It is found that the ostensibly padless G. humeralis, with feet lacking the musculoskeletal, tendinous, and vascular modifications typical of pad-bearing geckos, nevertheless can employ frictional adhesive contact to assist locomotion.

Parameters of the adhesive setae and setal fields of the Jamaican radiation of anoles (Dactyloidae: Anolis): potential for ecomorphology at the microscopic scale

It is found that anoles occupying the highest perches possess greater setal densities and smaller spatulae than those exploiting lower perches, consistent with the concept of contact splitting, whereby subdivision of an adhesive area into smaller and more densely packed fibres results in an increase in adhesive performance.

Comparative epidermal microstructure anatomy and limb and tail osteology of eyelid geckos (Squamata: Eublepharidae): Implications of ecomorphological adaptations

The structure of anoline (Reptilia: Dactyloidae: Anolis) toe pads in relation to substratum conformity

Digital structure and attachment and release kinematics of the toe pads of Anolis are very similar to those of geckos exhibiting an incipient adhesive mechanism, although both lack major anatomical specializations for promoting conformity of the setae with the locomotor substratum beyond those of theSeta-bearing portions of the epidermis.

Revisiting the classification of squamate adhesive setae: historical, morphological and functional perspectives

It is argued that those who aspire to simulate the form and function of squamate setae will benefit from a fuller appreciation of the diversity of these structures, thereby assisting in the identification of features most relevant to their objectives.

Ecological associations among epidermal microstructure and scale characteristics of Australian geckos (Squamata: Carphodactylidae and Diplodactylidae)

Long spinules, which aid self‐cleaning in terrestrial geckos, are consistent with greater exposure to dirt and debris in this habitat, and more complex CS may facilitate better perception of environmental variation in gecko living in drier habitats.

Parallel evolution of toepads in rock-dwelling lineages of a terrestrial gecko (Gekkota: Gekkonidae: Heteronotia binoei)

It is concluded that the saxicoline lineages represent examples of parallel evolution of enlarged adhesive structures in response to vertical substrate use, and their morphology represents a useful model as an intermediate state in toepad evolution.

Evolution of the gekkotan adhesive system: does digit anatomy point to one or more origins?

The absence of adhesive toe pads is found to be the ancestral state for the extant Gekkota as a whole, and data is consistent with independent origins of adhesivetoe pads in the Diplodactylidae, Sphaerodactyidae, Phyllodactelidae and GekKonidae, with a strong likelihood of multiple origins in the latter three families.

Setal Field Transects, Evolutionary Transitions and Gecko–Anole Convergence Provide Insights Into the Fundamentals of Form and Function of the Digital Adhesive System of Lizards

Information gleaned from studies focusing on gekkotan adhesion will assist those seeking to employ the principles of fibrillar-based adhesion, as exemplified by lizards, for bio-inspired applications.

Gecko Adhesion in Space and Time: A Phylogenetic Perspective on the Scansorial Success Story.

  • A. Bauer
  • Biology
    Integrative and comparative biology
  • 2019
The well-supported phylogeny of gekkotans has demonstrated that convergence and parallelism in digital design are even more prevalent than previously believed and can meaningfully inform functional and performance studies of gecko adhesion and locomotion and can contribute to advances in bioinspired materials.

References

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