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Granatosky MC, Dickinson E, Young MW, Lemelin P. A coati conundrum: how variation in levels of arboreality influences gait mechanics among three musteloid species. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247630. [PMID: 39318348 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
The gait characteristics associated with arboreal locomotion have been frequently discussed in the context of primate evolution, wherein they present as a trio of distinctive features: a diagonal-sequence, diagonal-couplet gait pattern; a protracted arm at forelimb touchdown; and a hindlimb-biased weight support pattern. The same locomotor characteristics have been found in the woolly opossum, a fine-branch arborealist similar in ecology to some small-bodied primates. To further our understanding of the functional link between arboreality and primate-like locomotion, we present comparative data collected in the laboratory for three musteloid taxa. Musteloidea represents an ecologically diverse superfamily spanning numerous locomotor specializations that includes the highly arboreal kinkajou (Potos flavus), mixed arboreal/terrestrial red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) and primarily terrestrial coatis (Nasua narica). This study applies a combined kinetic and kinematic approach to compare the locomotor behaviors of these three musteloid taxa, representing varying degrees of arboreal specialization. We observed highly arboreal kinkajous to share many locomotor traits with primates. In contrast, red pandas (mixed terrestrial/arborealist) showed gait characteristics found in most non-primate mammals. Coatis, however, demonstrated a unique combination of locomotor traits, combining a lateral-sequence, lateral-couplet gait pattern typical of long-legged, highly terrestrial mammals, varying degrees of arm protraction, and a hindlimb-biased weight support pattern typical of most primates and woolly opossums. We conclude that the three gait characteristics traditionally used to describe arboreal walking in primates can occur independently from one another and not necessarily as a suite of interdependent characteristics, a phenomenon that has been reported for some primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Granatosky
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
- Duke Lemur Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
| | - Melody W Young
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
| | - Pierre Lemelin
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2H7
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Druelle F, Leti I, Bokika Ngawolo JC, Narat V. Vertical climbing in free-ranging bonobos: An exploratory study integrating locomotor performance and substrate compliance. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24894. [PMID: 38180148 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ecological factors and body size shape animal movement and adaptation. Large primates such as bonobos excel in navigating the demanding substrates of arboreal habitats. However, current approaches lack comprehensive assessment of climbing performance in free-ranging individuals, limiting our understanding of locomotor adaptations. This study aims to explore climbing performance in free-ranging bonobos and how substrate properties affect their behavior. METHODS We collected data on the climbing performance of habituated bonobos, Pan paniscus, in the Bolobo Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo. We analyzed 46 climbing bouts (12 ascents, 34 descents) while moving on vertical substrates of varying diameter and compliance levels. This study assessed the average speed, peak acceleration, resting postures, and transitions between climbing and other locomotor modes. RESULTS During climbing sequences and transitions, bonobos mitigate speed variations. They also exhibit regular pauses during climbing and show higher speeds during descent in contrast to their ascent. Regarding the influence of substrate properties, bonobos exhibit higher speed when ascending on thin and slightly flexible substrates, while they appear to achieve higher speeds when descending on large and stiff substrates, by using a "fire-pole slide" submode. DISCUSSION Bonobos demonstrate remarkable abilities for negotiating vertical substrates and substrate properties influence their performance. Our results support the idea that bonobos adopt a behavioral strategy that aligns with the notion of minimizing costs. Overall, the adoption of high velocities and the use of low-cost resting postures may reduce muscle fatigue. These aspects could represent important targets of selection to ensure ecological efficiency in bonobos.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, Paris, France
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Innocent Leti
- NGO Mbou-Mon-Tour, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Victor Narat
- Eco-Anthropologie, UMR 7206, MNHN-CNRS-Univ. Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Bonobo Eco, Saint Brice sur Vienne, Vienne, France
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Young JW, Chadwell BA, O'Neill TP, Pastor F, Marchi D, Hartstone-Rose A. Quantitative assessment of grasping strength in platyrrhine monkeys. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24900. [PMID: 38269651 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the longstanding importance of grasping adaptations in theories of primate evolution, quantitative data on primate grasping strength remain rare. We present the results of two studies testing the prediction that callitrichines-given their comparative retreat from a small-branch environment and specialization for movement and foraging on tree trunks and large boughs-should be characterized by weaker grasping forces and underdeveloped digital flexor muscles relative to other platyrrhines. METHODS First, we directly measured manual grasping strength in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), using a custom-constructed force transducer. Second, we reanalyzed existing datasets on the fiber architecture of forearm and leg muscles in 12 platyrrhine species, quantifying digital flexor muscle physiological cross-sectional area (i.e., PCSA, a morphometric proxy of muscle strength) relative to the summed PCSA across all forearm or leg muscles. RESULTS Callithrix was characterized by lower mean and maximum grasping forces than Saimiri, and callitrichines as a clade were found to have relatively underdeveloped manual digital flexor muscle PCSA. However, relative pedal digital flexor PCSA did not significantly differ between callitrichines and other platyrrhines. CONCLUSIONS We found partial support for the hypothesis that variation in predominant substrate usage explains variation in empirical measurements of and morphological correlates of grasping strength in platyrrhines. Future research should extend the work presented here by (1) collecting morphological and empirical metrics of grasping strength in additional primate taxa and (2) extending performance testing to include empirical measures of primate pedal grasping forces as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, Ohio, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Brad A Chadwell
- Department of Anatomy, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, Idaho, USA
| | - Timothy P O'Neill
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, Ohio, USA
| | - Francisco Pastor
- Departamento de Anatomía y Radiología, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Adam Hartstone-Rose
- College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Druelle F, Ghislieri M, Molina-Vila P, Rimbaud B, Agostini V, Berillon G. A comparative study of muscle activity and synergies during walking in baboons and humans. J Hum Evol 2024; 189:103513. [PMID: 38401300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2024.103513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Bipedal locomotion was a major functional change during hominin evolution, yet, our understanding of this gradual and complex process remains strongly debated. Based on fossil discoveries, it is possible to address functional hypotheses related to bipedal anatomy, however, motor control remains intangible with this approach. Using comparative models which occasionally walk bipedally has proved to be relevant to shed light on the evolutionary transition toward habitual bipedalism. Here, we explored the organization of the neuromuscular control using surface electromyography (sEMG) for six extrinsic muscles in two baboon individuals when they walk quadrupedally and bipedally on the ground. We compared their muscular coordination to five human subjects walking bipedally. We extracted muscle synergies from the sEMG envelopes using the non-negative matrix factorization algorithm which allows decomposing the sEMG data in the linear combination of two non-negative matrixes (muscle weight vectors and activation coefficients). We calculated different parameters to estimate the complexity of the sEMG signals, the duration of the activation of the synergies, and the generalizability of the muscle synergy model across species and walking conditions. We found that the motor control strategy is less complex in baboons when they walk bipedally, with an increased muscular activity and muscle coactivation. When comparing the baboon bipedal and quadrupedal pattern of walking to human bipedalism, we observed that the baboon bipedal pattern of walking is closer to human bipedalism for both baboons, although substantial differences remain. Overall, our findings show that the muscle activity of a non-adapted biped effectively fulfills the basic mechanical requirements (propulsion and balance) for walking bipedally, but substantial refinements are possible to optimize the efficiency of bipedal locomotion. In the evolutionary context of an expanding reliance on bipedal behaviors, even minor morphological alterations, reducing muscle coactivation, could have faced strong selection pressure, ultimately driving bipedal evolution in hominins.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, Musée de l'Homme, 17 place du Trocadéro, 75116 Paris, France; Primatology Station of the CNRS, UAR 846, 2230 route des quatre tours, 13790 Rousset, France; Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken (Building D), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Marco Ghislieri
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Turin, Italy; PoliTo(BIO)Med Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Pablo Molina-Vila
- Primatology Station of the CNRS, UAR 846, 2230 route des quatre tours, 13790 Rousset, France
| | - Brigitte Rimbaud
- Primatology Station of the CNRS, UAR 846, 2230 route des quatre tours, 13790 Rousset, France
| | - Valentina Agostini
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Turin, Italy; PoliTo(BIO)Med Lab, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Gilles Berillon
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, Musée de l'Homme, 17 place du Trocadéro, 75116 Paris, France; Primatology Station of the CNRS, UAR 846, 2230 route des quatre tours, 13790 Rousset, France
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Berles P, Wölfer J, Alfieri F, Botton-Divet L, Guéry JP, Nyakatura JA. Linking morphology, performance, and habitat utilization: adaptation across biologically relevant 'levels' in tamarins. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:22. [PMID: 38355429 PMCID: PMC10865561 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02193-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological adaptation manifests itself at the interface of different biologically relevant 'levels', such as ecology, performance, and morphology. Integrated studies at this interface are scarce due to practical difficulties in study design. We present a multilevel analysis, in which we combine evidence from habitat utilization, leaping performance and limb bone morphology of four species of tamarins to elucidate correlations between these 'levels'. RESULTS We conducted studies of leaping behavior in the field and in a naturalistic park and found significant differences in support use and leaping performance. Leontocebus nigrifrons leaps primarily on vertical, inflexible supports, with vertical body postures, and covers greater leaping distances on average. In contrast, Saguinus midas and S. imperator use vertical and horizontal supports for leaping with a relatively similar frequency. S. mystax is similar to S. midas and S. imperator in the use of supports, but covers greater leaping distances on average, which are nevertheless shorter than those of L. nigrifrons. We assumed these differences to be reflected in the locomotor morphology, too, and compared various morphological features of the long bones of the limbs. According to our performance and habitat utilization data, we expected the long bone morphology of L. nigrifrons to reflect the largest potential for joint torque generation and stress resistance, because we assume longer leaps on vertical supports to exert larger forces on the bones. For S. mystax, based on our performance data, we expected the potential for torque generation to be intermediate between L. nigrifrons and the other two Saguinus species. Surprisingly, we found S. midas and S. imperator having relatively more robust morphological structures as well as relatively larger muscle in-levers, and thus appearing better adapted to the stresses involved in leaping than the other two. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the complex ways in which behavioral and morphological 'levels' map onto each other, cautioning against oversimplification of ecological profiles when using large interspecific eco-morphological studies to make adaptive evolutionary inferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Berles
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jan Wölfer
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabio Alfieri
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Léo Botton-Divet
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - John A Nyakatura
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 12/13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
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Plocek MR, Dunham NT. Spatiotemporal walking gait kinematics of semi-arboreal red pandas (Ailurus fulgens). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:755-766. [PMID: 37395486 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Semi-arboreal mammals must routinely cope with the differing biomechanical challenges of terrestrial versus arboreal locomotion; however, it is not clear to what extent semi-arboreal mammals adjust footfall patterns when moving on different substrates. We opportunistically filmed quadrupedal locomotion (n = 132 walking strides) of semi-arboreal red pandas (Ailurus fulgens; n = 3) housed at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and examined the effects of substrate type on spatiotemporal gait kinematic variables using linear mixed models. We further investigated the effects of substrate diameter and orientation on arboreal gait kinematics. Red pandas exclusively used lateral sequence (LS) gaits and most frequently utilized LS lateral couplet gaits across terrestrial and arboreal substrates. Red pandas moved significantly slower (p < 0.001), and controlling for speed, had significantly greater relative stride length (p < 0.001), mean stride duration (p = 0.002), mean duty factor (p < 0.001), and mean number of supporting limbs (p < 0.001) during arboreal locomotion. Arboreal strides on inclined substrates were characterized by significantly faster relative speeds and increased limb phase values compared with those horizontal and declined substrates. These kinematics adjustments help to reduce substrate oscillations thereby promoting stability on potentially precarious arboreal substrates. Red panda limb phase values are similar to those of (primarily terrestrial) Carnivora examined to date. Despite the similarity in footfall patterns during arboreal and terrestrial locomotion, flexibility in other kinematic variables is important for semi-arboreal red pandas that must navigate disparate biomechanical challenges inherent to arboreal versus terrestrial locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura R Plocek
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Noah T Dunham
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Goto R, Kinoshita Y, Shitara T, Hirasaki E. Diagonal-couplet gaits on discontinuous supports in Japanese macaques and implications for the adaptive significance of the diagonal-sequence, diagonal-couplet gait of primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37209057 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diagonal-sequence, diagonal-couplet (DSDC) gaits have been proposed as an adaptation to travel on discontinuously arranged arboreal branches. Only a few studies have examined primate gait adjustment to support discontinuity. We analyzed the gaits of Japanese macaques walking on the "ground" and two discontinuous conditions, "circle" and "point," to better understand the advantages of DSDC gaits on discontinuous supports. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-eight vertical posts, each with a circular upper surface, were arranged in four rows at a spacing of 200 mm. The diameter of the circular upper surface was 150 mm ("circle condition") or 50 mm ("point condition"). We calculated the limb phase, duty factor, and time interval from hindlimb touchdown to ipsilateral forelimb liftoff. The supports the fore- and hindlimbs landed on during walking were identified in the circle and point condition. RESULTS The macaques predominantly used DSDC gaits in the ground and circle conditions and lateral-sequence, diagonal-couplet (LSDC) gaits in the point condition. The macaques usually placed their hindlimbs on the same supports as their ipsilateral forelimbs during the gait cycle. DISCUSSION Japanese macaques overlapped the ipsilateral fore- and hindlimb stance phase in all DSDC and some LSDC gaits to proximate the ipsilateral limbs on the discontinuous support, allowing the forelimb to guide the hindlimb placement to the support. The overlap duration of the ipsilateral limb stance phases may be extended by DSDC gaits longer than by LSDC gaits, allowing for a direct pass of the support being held by the prehensile hand to the prehensile foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Goto
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Gunma Paz University, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Kinoshita
- Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Shitara
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eishi Hirasaki
- Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
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Positional Behavior of Introduced Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in an Urban Landscape. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182372. [PMID: 36139232 PMCID: PMC9494974 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Positional behaviors comprise the entirety of animals’ locomotion and posture. Often, these positional behaviors are paired with information about sußbstrate characteristics (e.g., orientation, diameter, texture, height) and frequency to gain an ecological perspective of when and why an animal utilizes a particular behavior. Thus far, quantitative studies of positional behavior have been limited to mammals, leaving a major gap in our understanding of how animals utilize their environment. In this study, we present the first quantitative report of positional behavior within Aves, presenting scan sampling data from an established colony of Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from Brooklyn, New York City. Parrots exhibited a strong preference for small and terminal branches when perching arboreally. Such a pattern is consistent with arboreal primates. We also observed an increase in locomotor diversity on artificial versus naturally occurring substrates. This demonstrates the potential importance of a flexible behavioral repertoire in facilitating a successful transition towards an urban landscape in introduced species and underscores the need for further studies exploring positional behaviors among urban wildlife. Abstract Positional behaviors have been broadly quantified across the Order Primates, and in several other mammalian lineages, to contextualize adaptations to, and evolution within, an arboreal environment. Outside of Mammalia, however, such data are yet to be reported. In this study, we present the first quantitative report of positional behavior within Aves, presenting 11,246 observations of scan sampling data from a colony of Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from Brooklyn, New York City. Each scan recorded locomotor and postural behavior and information about weather condition, temperature, and substrate properties (e.g., type, size, orientation). A distinction was also recorded between natural and artificial substrates. Parrots exhibited a strong preference for small and terminal branches, a selection which may reflect targeted foraging of new fruit growth and leaf-buds. We further observed that the gait transition from walking to sidling appears primarily driven by substrate size, with the former preferred on the ground and on large, broad substrates and the latter used to navigate smaller branches. Finally, we observed an increase in locomotor diversity on artificial versus naturally occurring substrates. This demonstrates the importance of a flexible behavioral repertoire in facilitating a successful transition towards an urban landscape in introduced species.
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Young MW, Lynch SK, Dickinson E, Currier AA, Davoli EC, Hanna CS, Fischer HM, DiUbaldi GA, Granatosky MC. Patterns of single limb forces during terrestrial and arboreal locomotion in rosy-faced lovebirds (Psittaciformes: Agapornis roseicollis). J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276123. [PMID: 35822351 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The biomechanical demands of arboreal locomotion are generally thought to necessitate specialized kinetic and kinematic gait characteristics. While such data has been widely collected across arboreal quadrupeds, no study has yet explored how arboreal substrates influence the locomotor behavior of birds. Parrots - an ancient arboreal lineage that exhibit numerous anatomical specializations towards life in the trees - represent an ideal model group within which to examine this relationship. Here, we quantify limb loading patterns within the rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) across a range of experimental conditions to define under which circumstances arboreal gaits are triggered, and how, during arboreal walking, gait patterns change across substrates of varying diameter. In so doing, we address longstanding questions as to how the challenges associated with arboreality affect gait parameters. Arboreal locomotion was associated with the adoption of a sidling gait, which was employed exclusively on the small- and medium-poles but not terrestrially. When sidling, the hindlimbs are decoupled into a distinct leading limb (which imparts exclusively braking forces) and trailing limb (which generates only propulsive forces). Sidling was also associated with relatively low pitching forces, even on the smallest substrate. Indeed, these forces were significantly lower than mediolateral forces experienced during striding on terrestrial and large-diameter substrates. We propose that the adoption of sidling gaits is a consequence of avian foot morphology and represents a novel form of arboreal locomotion where inversion/eversion is impossible. Such movement mechanics is likely widespread among avian taxa and may also typify patterns of arboreal locomotion in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody W Young
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Samantha K Lynch
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA.,Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Allen A Currier
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Davoli
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Christopher S Hanna
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Hannah M Fischer
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Gianluca A DiUbaldi
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Michael C Granatosky
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA.,Center for Biomedical Innovation, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
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Schapker NM, Chadwell BA, Young JW. Robust locomotor performance of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) in response to simulated changes in support diameter and compliance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:417-433. [PMID: 34985803 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Arboreal environments require overcoming navigational challenges not typically encountered in other terrestrial habitats. Supports are unevenly distributed and vary in diameter, orientation, and compliance. To better understand the strategies that arboreal animals use to maintain stability in this environment, laboratory researchers must endeavor to mimic those conditions. Here, we evaluate how squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) adjust their locomotor mechanics in response to variation in support diameter and compliance. We used high-speed cameras to film two juvenile female monkeys as they walked across poles of varying diameters (5, 2.5, and 1.25 cm). Poles were mounted on either a stiff wooden base ("stable" condition) or foam blocks ("compliant" condition). Six force transducers embedded within the pole trackway recorded substrate reaction forces during locomotion. We predicted that squirrel monkeys would walk more slowly on narrow and compliant supports and adopt more "compliant" gait mechanics, increasing stride lengths, duty factors, and an average number of limbs gripping the support, while the decreasing center of mass height, stride frequencies, and peak forces. We observed few significant adjustments to squirrel monkey locomotor kinematics in response to changes in either support diameter or compliance, and the changes we did observe were often tempered by interactions with locomotor speed. These results differ from a similar study of common marmosets (i.e., Callithrix jacchus, with relatively poor grasping abilities), where variation in diameter and compliance substantially impacted gait kinematics. Squirrel monkeys' strong grasping apparatus, long and mobile tails, and other adaptations for arboreal travel likely facilitate robust locomotor performance despite substrate precarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Schapker
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, Ohio, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Brad A Chadwell
- Department of Anatomy, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), Meridian, Idaho, USA
| | - Jesse W Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, Ohio, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
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Cheu AY, Reed SA, Mann SD, Bergmann PJ. Performance and Kinematic Differences Between Terrestrial and Aquatic Running in Anolis Sagrei. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:840-851. [PMID: 35561728 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals frequently transition between different media while navigating their heterogeneous environments. These media vary in compliance, moisture content, and other characteristics that affect their physical properties. As a result, animals may need to alter their kinematics to adapt to potential changes in media while maintaining performance during predator escape and foraging. Due to its fluid nature, water is highly compliant, and although usually associated with swimming, water running has evolved in a variety of animals ranging from insects to mammals. While the best studied large water runners are the bipedal basilisk lizards (Basiliscus spp.), other lizards have also been observed to run across the surface of water, namely Hemidactylus platyurus, a house gecko, and in this study, Anolis sagrei, the brown anole. Unlike the basilisk lizard, the primarily arboreal Anolis sagrei is not adapted for water running. Moreover, water running in A. sagrei, similar to that of the house gecko, was primarily quadrupedal. Here, we tested for performance and kinematic differences between aquatic and terrestrial running and if the variance in performance and kinematic variables differed between the two media. We found no difference in average and maximum velocity between running on land and water. We also found that Anolis sagrei had higher hindlimb stride frequencies, decreased duty factor, and shorter stride lengths on water, as well as more erect postures. Finally, we found that most kinematics did not differ in variance between the two media, but of those that were different, almost all were more variable during terrestrial running. Our findings show that animals may be capable of specialized modes of locomotion, even if they are not obviously adapted for them, and that they may do this by modulating their kinematics to facilitate locomotion through novel environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Y Cheu
- Department of Biology, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Sara D Mann
- Department of Biology, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA
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12
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Abstract
Leaping squirrels show that locomotion entails perceiving and innovating possibilities for action from moment to moment
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Adolph
- Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jesse W Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
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13
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Higurashi Y, Kumakura H. Kinematic adjustments to arboreal locomotion in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Primates 2021; 62:995-1003. [PMID: 34328595 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-021-00937-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although biomechanical adaptations to arboreal locomotion have been well investigated in primates and other mammals in laboratory settings, the results are not consistent, and more species need to be studied to build a comprehensive picture of this. Here, we used three-dimensional videography to quantify kinematic parameters thought to be associated with locomotor stability while two Japanese macaques walked on terrestrial and simulated arboreal substrates (a horizontal pole, which was narrow relative to the animal's body width). The parameters investigated included temporal-spatial gait variables, those associated with compliant walking, the height of the shoulder and hip, and hand and foot clearance during the swing phase. We found that there were many individual differences in kinematic adjustments made by the monkeys during arboreal locomotion. More importantly, the results were consistent between the monkeys for three parameters: maximum hand clearance, maximum hip height, and maximum foot clearance. The monkeys showed lower maximum hand and foot clearances during arboreal locomotion than during terrestrial locomotion, indicating that the hands and feet were kept close to the substrate surface during the swing phase. They also showed lower maximum hip heights during arboreal locomotion, suggesting that their whole-body centers of mass were lowered. These consistent kinematic adjustments can be interpreted as strategies for enhancing stability and reducing the risk of falling from a height. Overall, these results show that Japanese macaques make significant biomechanical adaptations to arboreal locomotion that are not fully consistent with existing data for other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Higurashi
- Laboratory of System Physiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan. .,Laboratory of Biological Anthropology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, 1-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Hiroo Kumakura
- Laboratory of Biological Anthropology, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, 1-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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14
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Druelle F, Supiot A, Meulemans S, Schouteden N, Molina-Vila P, Rimbaud B, Aerts P, Berillon G. The quadrupedal walking gait of the olive baboon, Papio anubis: an exploratory study integrating kinematics and EMG. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:271005. [PMID: 34292320 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Primates exhibit unusual quadrupedal features (e.g. diagonal gaits, compliant walk) compared with other quadrupedal mammals. Their origin and diversification in arboreal habitats have certainly shaped the mechanics of their walking pattern to meet the functional requirements necessary for balance control in unstable and discontinuous environments. In turn, the requirements for mechanical stability probably conflict with mechanical energy exchange. In order to investigate these aspects, we conducted an integrative study on quadrupedal walking in the olive baboon (Papio anubis) at the Primatology station of the CNRS in France. Based on kinematics, we describe the centre of mass mechanics of the normal quadrupedal gait performed on the ground, as well as in different gait and substrate contexts. In addition, we studied the muscular activity of six hindlimb muscles using non-invasive surface probes. Our results show that baboons can rely on an inverted pendulum-like exchange of energy (57% on average, with a maximal observed value of 84%) when walking slowly (<0.9 m s-1) with a tight limb phase (∼55%) on the ground using diagonal sequence gaits. In this context, the muscular activity is similar to that of other quadrupedal mammals, thus reflecting the primary functions of the muscles for limb movement and support. In contrast, walking on a suspended branch generates kinematic and muscular adjustments to ensure better control and to maintain stability. Finally, walking using the lateral sequence gait increases muscular effort and reduces the potential for high recovery rates. The present exploratory study thus supports the assumption that primates are able to make use of an inverted pendulum mechanism on the ground using a diagonal walking gait, yet a different footfall pattern and substrate appear to influence muscular effort and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, 75116 Paris, France.,Primatology Station of the CNRS-Celphedia, UAR 846, 13790 Rousset-sur-Arc, France.,Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anthony Supiot
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Robert Debré University Hospital, 75004 Paris, France
| | - Silke Meulemans
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Niels Schouteden
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.,Monde Sauvage Safari Parc, 4920 Aywaille, Belgium
| | - Pablo Molina-Vila
- Primatology Station of the CNRS-Celphedia, UAR 846, 13790 Rousset-sur-Arc, France
| | - Brigitte Rimbaud
- Primatology Station of the CNRS-Celphedia, UAR 846, 13790 Rousset-sur-Arc, France
| | - Peter Aerts
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, University of Ghent, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Gilles Berillon
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, 75116 Paris, France.,Primatology Station of the CNRS-Celphedia, UAR 846, 13790 Rousset-sur-Arc, France
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15
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Young JW, Chadwell BA, Dunham NT, McNamara A, Phelps T, Hieronymus T, Shapiro LJ. The Stabilizing Function of the Tail During Arboreal Quadrupedalism. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:491-505. [PMID: 34022040 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion on the narrow and compliant supports of the arboreal environment is inherently precarious. Previous studies have identified a host of morphological and behavioral specializations in arboreal animals broadly thought to promote stability when on precarious substrates. Less well-studied is the role of the tail in maintaining balance. However, prior anatomical studies have found that arboreal taxa frequently have longer tails for their body size than their terrestrial counterparts, and prior laboratory studies of tail kinematics and the effects of tail reduction in focal taxa have broadly supported the hypothesis that the tail is functionally important for maintaining balance on narrow and mobile substrates. In this set of studies, we extend this work in two ways. First, we used a laboratory dataset on three-dimensional segmental kinematics and tail inertial properties in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) to investigate how tail angular momentum is modulated during steady-state locomotion on narrow supports. In the second study, we used a quantitative dataset on quadrupedal locomotion in wild platyrrhine monkeys to investigate how free-ranging arboreal animals adjust tail movements in response to substrate variation, focusing on kinematic measures validated in prior laboratory studies of tail mechanics (including the laboratory data presented). Our laboratory results show that S. boliviensis significantly increase average tail angular momentum magnitudes and amplitudes on narrow supports, and primarily regulate that momentum by adjusting the linear and angular velocity of the tail (rather than via changes in tail posture per se). We build on these findings in our second study by showing that wild platyrrhines responded to the precarity of narrow and mobile substrates by extending the tail and exaggerating tail displacements, providing ecological validity to the laboratory studies of tail mechanics presented here and elsewhere. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that the long and mobile tails of arboreal animals serve a biological role of enhancing stability when moving quadrupedally over narrow and mobile substrates. Tail angular momentum could be used to cancel out the angular momentum generated by other parts of the body during steady-state locomotion, thereby reducing whole-body angular momentum and promoting stability, and could also be used to mitigate the effects of destabilizing torques about the support should the animals encounter large, unexpected perturbations. Overall, these studies suggest that long and mobile tails should be considered among the fundamental suite of adaptations promoting safe and efficient arboreal locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Brad A Chadwell
- Department of Anatomy, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
| | - Noah T Dunham
- Department of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Taylor Phelps
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Tobin Hieronymus
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Liza J Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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16
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Tia B, Pifferi F. Oscillatory Activity in Mouse Lemur Primary Motor Cortex During Natural Locomotor Behavior. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:655980. [PMID: 34220457 PMCID: PMC8249816 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.655980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In arboreal environments, substrate orientation determines the biomechanical strategy for postural maintenance and locomotion. In this study, we investigated possible neuronal correlates of these mechanisms in an ancestral primate model, the gray mouse lemur. We conducted telemetric recordings of electrocorticographic activity in left primary motor cortex of two mouse lemurs moving on a branch-like small-diameter pole, fixed horizontally, or vertically. Analysis of cortical oscillations in high β (25–35 Hz) and low γ (35–50 Hz) bands showed stronger resting power on horizontal than vertical substrate, potentially illustrating sensorimotor processes for postural maintenance. Locomotion on horizontal substrate was associated with stronger event-related desynchronization than vertical substrate, which could relate to locomotor adjustments and/or derive from differences in baseline activity. Spectrograms of cortical activity showed modulation throughout individual locomotor cycles, with higher values in the first than second half cycle. However, substrate orientation did not significantly influence these variations. Overall, these results confirm that specific cortical mechanisms are solicited during arboreal locomotion, whereby mouse lemurs adjust cortical activity to substrate orientation during static posture and locomotion, and modulate this activity throughout locomotor cycles.
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17
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Visual Neuroscience Methods for Marmosets: Efficient Receptive Field Mapping and Head-Free Eye Tracking. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0489-20.2021. [PMID: 33863782 PMCID: PMC8143020 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0489-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The marmoset has emerged as a promising primate model system, in particular for visual neuroscience. Many common experimental paradigms rely on head fixation and an extended period of eye fixation during the presentation of salient visual stimuli. Both of these behavioral requirements can be challenging for marmosets. Here, we present two methodological developments, each addressing one of these difficulties. First, we show that it is possible to use a standard eye-tracking system without head fixation to assess visual behavior in the marmoset. Eye-tracking quality from head-free animals is sufficient to obtain precise psychometric functions from a visual acuity task. Second, we introduce a novel method for efficient receptive field (RF) mapping that does not rely on moving stimuli but uses fast flashing annuli and wedges. We present data recorded during head-fixation in areas V1 and V6 and show that RF locations are readily obtained within a short period of recording time. Thus, the methodological advancements presented in this work will contribute to establish the marmoset as a valuable model in neuroscience.
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18
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Wheatley R, Buettel JC, Brook BW, Johnson CN, Wilson RP. Accidents alter animal fitness landscapes. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:920-934. [PMID: 33751743 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Animals alter their habitat use in response to the energetic demands of movement ('energy landscapes') and the risk of predation ('the landscape of fear'). Recent research suggests that animals also select habitats and move in ways that minimise their chance of temporarily losing control of movement and thereby suffering slips, falls, collisions or other accidents, particularly when the consequences are likely to be severe (resulting in injury or death). We propose that animals respond to the costs of an 'accident landscape' in conjunction with predation risk and energetic costs when deciding when, where, and how to move in their daily lives. We develop a novel theoretical framework describing how features of physical landscapes interact with animal size, morphology, and behaviour to affect the risk and severity of accidents, and predict how accident risk might interact with predation risk and energetic costs to dictate movement decisions across the physical landscape. Future research should focus on testing the hypotheses presented here for different real-world systems to gain insight into the relative importance of theorised effects in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Wheatley
- School of Natural Sciences and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jessie C Buettel
- School of Natural Sciences and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Barry W Brook
- School of Natural Sciences and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rory P Wilson
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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19
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Tia B, Takemi M, Kosugi A, Castagnola E, Ricci D, Ushiba J, Fadiga L, Iriki A. Spectral Power in Marmoset Frontal Motor Cortex during Natural Locomotor Behavior. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:1077-1089. [PMID: 33068002 PMCID: PMC7786367 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During primate arboreal locomotion, substrate orientation modifies body axis orientation and biomechanical contribution of fore- and hindlimbs. To characterize the role of cortical oscillations in integrating these locomotor demands, we recorded electrocorticographic activity from left dorsal premotor, primary motor, and supplementary motor cortices of three common marmosets moving across a branch-like small-diameter pole, fixed horizontally or vertically. Animals displayed behavioral adjustments to the task, namely, the horizontal condition mainly induced quadrupedal walk with pronated/neutral forelimb postures, whereas the vertical condition induced walk and bound gaits with supinated/neutral postures. Examination of cortical activity suggests that β (16–35 Hz) and γ (75–100 Hz) oscillations could reflect different processes in locomotor adjustments. During task, modulation of γ ERS by substrate orientation (horizontal/vertical) and epoch (preparation/execution) suggests close tuning to movement dynamics and biomechanical demands. β ERD was essentially modulated by gait (walk/bound), which could illustrate contribution to movement sequence and coordination. At rest, modulation of β power by substrate orientation underlines its role in sensorimotor processes for postural maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banty Tia
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.,Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Mitsuaki Takemi
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan.,Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8654, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Akito Kosugi
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Elisa Castagnola
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Ricci
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Junichi Ushiba
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Luciano Fadiga
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara, 44121, Italy.,Section of Physiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Atsushi Iriki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
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20
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Not all fine-branch locomotion is equal: Grasping morphology determines locomotor performance on narrow supports. J Hum Evol 2020; 142:102767. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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21
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Walker JD, Pirschel F, Gidmark N, MacLean JN, Hatsopoulos NG. A platform for semiautomated voluntary training of common marmosets for behavioral neuroscience. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:1420-1426. [PMID: 32130092 PMCID: PMC7191516 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00300.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Generally behavioral neuroscience studies of the common marmoset employ adaptations of well-established training methods used with macaque monkeys. However, in many cases these approaches do not readily generalize to marmosets indicating a need for alternatives. Here we present the development of one such alternate: a platform for semiautomated, voluntary in-home cage behavioral training that allows for the study of naturalistic behaviors. We describe the design and production of a modular behavioral training apparatus using CAD software and digital fabrication. We demonstrate that this apparatus permits voluntary behavioral training and data collection throughout the marmoset's waking hours with little experimenter intervention. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of this apparatus to reconstruct the kinematics of the marmoset's upper limb movement during natural foraging behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study of marmosets in neuroscience has grown rapidly and presents unique challenges. We address those challenges with an innovative platform for semiautomated, voluntary training that allows marmosets to train throughout their waking hours with minimal experimenter intervention. We describe the use of this platform to capture upper limb kinematics during foraging and to expand the opportunities for behavioral training beyond the limits of traditional training sessions. This flexible platform can easily incorporate other tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Walker
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Friederice Pirschel
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Jason N MacLean
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nicholas G Hatsopoulos
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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22
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Dunham NT, McNamara A, Shapiro LJ, Phelps T, Young JW. Asymmetrical gait kinematics of free-ranging callitrichines in response to changes in substrate diameter and orientation. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb.217562. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.217562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Arboreal environments present considerable biomechanical challenges for animals moving and foraging among substrates varying in diameter, orientation, and compliance. Most studies of quadrupedal gait kinematics in primates and other arboreal mammals have focused on symmetrical walking gaits and the significance of diagonal sequence gaits. Considerably less research has examined asymmetrical gaits, despite their prevalence in small-bodied arboreal taxa. Here we examine whether and how free-ranging callitrichine primates adjust asymmetrical gait kinematics to changes in substrate diameter and orientation, as well as how variation in gait kinematics affects substrate displacement. We used high-speed video to film free-ranging Saguinus tripartitus and Cebuella pygmaea inhabiting the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuador. We found that Saguinus used bounding and half-bounding gaits on larger substrates versus gallops and symmetrical gaits on smaller substrates, and also shifted several kinematic parameters consistent with attenuating forces transferred from the animal to the substrate. Similarly, Cebuella shifted from high impact bounding gaits on larger substrates to using more half-bounding gaits on smaller substrates; however, kinematic adjustments to substrate diameter were not as profound as in Saguinus. Both species adjusted gait kinematics to changes in substrate orientation; however, gait kinematics did not significantly affect empirical measures of substrate displacement in either species. Due to their small body size, claw-like nails, and reduced grasping capabilities, callitrichines arguably represent extant biomechanical analogues for an early stage in primate evolution. As such, greater attention should be placed on understanding asymmetrical gait dynamics for insight into hypotheses concerning early primate locomotor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Dunham
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 4200 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 2080 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, 2201 Speedway Stop C3200, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Liza J. Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, 2201 Speedway Stop C3200, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Taylor Phelps
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 St. Rt. 44, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA
| | - Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 St. Rt. 44, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA
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23
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Dunham NT, McNamara A, Shapiro LJ, Hieronymus TL, Phelps T, Young JW. Effects of substrate and phylogeny on quadrupedal gait in free‐ranging platyrrhines. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 170:565-578. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Dunham
- Division of Conservation and Science Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Ohio
| | - Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Liza J. Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Tobin L. Hieronymus
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Taylor Phelps
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
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24
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McNamara A, Dunham NT, Shapiro LJ, Young JW. The effects of natural substrate discontinuities on the quadrupedal gait kinematics of free‐ranging
Saimiri sciureus. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23055. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Noah T. Dunham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Liza J. Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
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25
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Dunham NT, McNamara A, Shapiro L, Phelps T, Wolfe AN, Young JW. Locomotor kinematics of tree squirrels (
Sciurus carolinensis
) in free‐ranging and laboratory environments: Implications for primate locomotion and evolution. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 331:103-119. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Dunham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Liza Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Taylor Phelps
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Adrienne N. Wolfe
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
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26
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Dunham NT, McNamara A, Shapiro L, Hieronymus T, Young JW. A user's guide for the quantitative analysis of substrate characteristics and locomotor kinematics in free‐ranging primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 167:569-584. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Dunham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Liza Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Tobin Hieronymus
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
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Young JW, Shapiro LJ. Developments in development: What have we learned from primate locomotor ontogeny? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 165 Suppl 65:37-71. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyNortheast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)Rootstown Ohio, 44272
| | - Liza J. Shapiro
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of TexasAustin Texas, 78712
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28
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Shimada H, Kanai R, Kondo T, Yoshino-Saito K, Uchida A, Nakamura M, Ushiba J, Okano H, Ogihara N. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis of quadrupedal walking in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Neurosci Res 2017; 125:11-20. [PMID: 28711711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The common marmoset has recently gained a great deal of attention as an experimental primate model for biological science and medical research. To use the common marmoset for development of novel treatments and rehabilitation for locomotor disorders, it is crucial to understand fundamental baseline characteristics of locomotion in this species. Therefore, in the present study we performed kinematic and kinetic analyses of quadrupedal locomotion in this animal. A total of 14 common marmosets walking quadrupedally along a walkway were analyzed using synchronized high-speed cameras, with two force platforms set in the walkway. Our results demonstrated that the marmoset uses a lateral sequence walking pattern, in contrast to the macaque and other primates, which usually adopt a diagonal sequence pattern. Furthermore, peak vertical ground reaction force on the forelimb was larger than that on the hindlimb. The rate of energy recovery for quadrupedal walking in the common marmoset was much smaller than that in the macaque, indicating that the marmoset generally utilizes bouncing mechanics in locomotion, even though the duty factor is >0.5. This description of locomotor characteristics of intact marmosets may serve as a basis for comparative analyses of changes in gait due to rehabilitation and regenerative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Shimada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Ryogo Kanai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kondo
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kimika Yoshino-Saito
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akito Uchida
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Junichi Ushiba
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Naomichi Ogihara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
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29
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Walker J, MacLean J, Hatsopoulos NG. The marmoset as a model system for studying voluntary motor control. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:273-285. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Walker
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
| | - Jason MacLean
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
- Department of Neurobiology; University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
| | - Nicholas G. Hatsopoulos
- Committee on Computational Neuroscience, University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy; University of Chicago; Chicago Illinois 60637
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30
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Knight K. Scampering marmosets fine-tune movements to bendy boughs. J Exp Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.147835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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