Presentation Detail

Adaptation

Hagey, Travis [1], Harmon, Luke [1], Schwarzkopf, Lin [2].

How Geckos Stick in Nature: Ecology and Biomechanics of Gecko Feet.

Adaptation to different environments is a central aspect of evolution, and researchers often assume an organism's form follows function. However, an organism's phenotype can have other causes, such as historical constraints sexual selection or drift. It can be surprisingly difficult to scientifically determine whether particular morphologies that co-occur with particular ecological traits are adaptive. One such approach we can apply uses predictive biomechanical models to directly evaluate the adaptive significance of morphologies in particular environments. Geckos (lizards in the taxonomic group Gekkota) represent an ideal group in which to use a biomechanical approach to understand form and function. Geckos move through their environment using specialized clinging toe pads covered in tiny hair-like structures called setae. Biomechanical models can provide accurate predictions of adhesive performance based on morphological measurements. Geckos are a species-rich group, with highly variable toe-pad morphologies and ecologies, but available biomechanical models have never been applied to this group in an ecological context. We measured morphology, performance, and habitat use of six tropical gecko species from Australia (in the family Diplodactylinae). Australian Diplodactyline geckos evolved in isolation, and radiated to use a variety of habitats, including smooth and rough tree bark and rocks. We used biomechanical principles to predict the performance of different toe pad morphologies on different surfaces and compared these predictions to observed performance and habitat parameters to investigate if form follows function in our focal species, or if there are other factors influencing the evolution of toe morphology.

1 - University of Idaho, Biology
2 - James Cook University, School of Marine and Tropical Biology

Keywords:
Adhesion
Australia
Habitat Use.

Presentation Type: Regular Oral Presentation
Session: 84
Location: Superior B/Cliff Lodge
Date: Sunday, June 23rd, 2013
Time: 1:45 PM
Number: 84002
Abstract ID:110
Candidate for Awards:W.D. Hamilton Award for Outstanding Student Presentation