38 research outputs found
Development of Proficiency Testing for Detection of Irradiated Food: Project E01068. Results of Second Round PSL and TL Trials, September 2006
Cnidocyte discharge is regulated by light and opsin-mediated phototransduction
Cnidocyte discharge is regulated by light and opsin-mediated phototransduction Plachetzki et al. Plachetzki et al. BMC Biology 2012, 10:1
Semiconductor Nanocrystal Quantum Dot Synthesis Approaches Towards Large-Scale Industrial Production for Energy Applications
Stochastic differential equation-based exploration algorithm for autonomous indoor 3D exploration with a micro-aerial vehicle
Combining Complementary Motion Estimation Approaches to Increase Reliability in Urban Search & Rescue Missions
Cuboid-based mapping using time-series range data for a daily assistive robot working on a daily environment
Multifunctionality and mechanical origins: Ballistic jaw propulsion in trap-jaw ants
Extreme animal movements are usually associated with a single, high-performance behavior. However, the remarkably rapid mandible strikes of the trap-jaw ant, Odontomachus bauri, can yield multiple functional outcomes. Here we investigate the biomechanics of mandible strikes in O. bauri and find that the extreme mandible movements serve two distinct functions: predation and propulsion. During predatory strikes, O. bauri mandibles close at speeds ranging from 35 to 64 m·s(−1) within an average duration of 0.13 ms, far surpassing the speeds of other documented ballistic predatory appendages in the animal kingdom. The high speeds of the mandibles assist in capturing prey, while the extreme accelerations result in instantaneous mandible strike forces that can exceed 300 times the ant’s body weight. Consequently, an O. bauri mandible strike directed against the substrate produces sufficient propulsive power to launch the ant into the air. Changing head orientation and strike surfaces allow O. bauri to use the trap-jaw mechanism to capture prey, eject intruders, or jump to safety. This use of a single, simple mechanical system to generate a suite of profoundly different behavioral functions offers insights into the morphological origins of novelties in feeding and locomotion