Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
Plant Biomechanics Group & Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Sci Rep. 2021 Nov 29;11(1):23043. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-02033-4.
Arboreal habitats are characterized by a complex three-dimensional array of branches that vary in numerous characteristics, including incline, compliance, roughness, and diameter. Gaps must often be crossed, and this is frequently accomplished by leaping. Geckos bearing an adhesive system often jump in arboreal habitats, although few studies have examined their jumping biomechanics. We investigated the biomechanics of landing on smooth surfaces in crested geckos, Correlophus ciliatus, asking whether the incline of the landing platform alters impact forces and mid-air body movements. Using high-speed videography, we examined jumps from a horizontal take-off platform to horizontal, 45° and 90° landing platforms. Take-off velocity was greatest when geckos were jumping to a horizontal platform. Geckos did not modulate their body orientation in the air. Body curvature during landing, and landing duration, were greatest on the vertical platform. Together, these significantly reduced the impact force on the vertical platform. When landing on a smooth vertical surface, the geckos must engage the adhesive system to prevent slipping and falling. In contrast, landing on a horizontal surface requires no adhesion, but incurs high impact forces. Despite a lack of mid-air modulation, geckos appear robust to changing landing conditions.
树栖生境的特点是树枝的复杂三维排列，这些树枝在倾斜度、顺应性、粗糙度和直径等方面存在多种特征。生物经常需要跨越这些树枝之间的空隙，而跳跃通常是跨越这些空隙的方式。具有粘性系统的壁虎经常在树栖生境中跳跃，尽管很少有研究检查它们的跳跃生物力学。我们研究了冠蜥（Correlophus ciliatus）在光滑表面着陆的生物力学，询问着陆平台的倾斜度是否会改变冲击力量和半空中的身体运动。我们使用高速录像技术，检查了从水平起飞平台到水平、45°和 90°着陆平台的跳跃。当壁虎跳向水平平台时，起飞速度最快。壁虎在空中没有调节身体方向。在垂直平台上，着陆时的身体曲率和着陆时间最长。这些因素共同使垂直平台上的冲击力显著降低。当壁虎在光滑的垂直表面着陆时，它们必须使用粘性系统来防止滑倒和坠落。相比之下，在水平表面着陆不需要粘性，但会产生很大的冲击力。尽管缺乏半空中的调节，壁虎似乎能够适应变化的着陆条件。
