1
|
Herrera-Amaya A, Byron ML. Omnidirectional propulsion in a metachronal swimmer. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010891. [PMID: 37976322 PMCID: PMC10697607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquatic organisms often employ maneuverable and agile swimming behavior to escape from predators, find prey, or navigate through complex environments. Many of these organisms use metachronally coordinated appendages to execute complex maneuvers. However, though metachrony is used across body sizes ranging from microns to tens of centimeters, it is understudied compared to the swimming of fish, cetaceans, and other groups. In particular, metachronal coordination and control of multiple appendages for three-dimensional maneuvering is not fully understood. To explore the maneuvering capabilities of metachronal swimming, we combine 3D high-speed videography of freely swimming ctenophores (Bolinopsis vitrea) with reduced-order mathematical modeling. Experimental results show that ctenophores can quickly reorient, and perform tight turns while maintaining forward swimming speeds close to 70% of their observed maximum-performance comparable to or exceeding that of many vertebrates with more complex locomotor systems. We use a reduced-order model to investigate turning performance across a range of beat frequencies and appendage control strategies, and reveal that ctenophores are capable of near-omnidirectional turning. Based on both recorded and modeled swimming trajectories, we conclude that the ctenophore body plan enables a high degree of maneuverability and agility, and may be a useful starting point for future bioinspired aquatic vehicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Herrera-Amaya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Margaret L. Byron
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Strock S, Costello JH, Daniels J, Katija K, Colin SP. Nectophore coordination and kinematics by physonect siphonophores. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245955. [PMID: 37655651 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245955] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Siphonophores are ubiquitous and often highly abundant members of pelagic ecosystems throughout the open ocean. They are unique among animal taxa in that many species use multiple jets for propulsion. Little is known about the kinematics of the individual jets produced by nectophores (the swimming bells of siphonophores) or whether the jets are coordinated during normal swimming behavior. Using remotely operated vehicles and SCUBA, we video recorded the swimming behavior of several physonect species in their natural environment. The pulsed kinematics of the individual nectophores that comprise the siphonophore nectosome were quantified and, based on these kinematics, we examined the coordination of adjacent nectophores. We found that, for the five species considered, nectophores located along the same side of the nectosomal axis (i.e. axially aligned) were coordinated and their timing was offset such that they pulsed metachronally. However, this level of coordination did not extend across the nectosome and no coordination was evident between nectophores on opposite sides of the nectosomal axis. For most species, the metachronal contraction waves of nectophores were initiated by the apical nectophores and traveled dorsally. However, the metachronal wave of Apolemia rubriversa traveled in the opposite direction. Although nectophore groups on opposite sides of the nectosome were not coordinated, they pulsed with similar frequencies. This enabled siphonophores to maintain relatively linear trajectories during swimming. The timing and characteristics of the metachronal coordination of pulsed jets affects how the jet wakes interact and may provide important insight into how interacting jets may be optimized for efficient propulsion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirah Strock
- Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
| | - John H Costello
- Biology Department, Providence College, Providence, RI 02918, USA
- Whitman Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Joost Daniels
- Research and Development, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Kakani Katija
- Research and Development, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Sean P Colin
- Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
- Whitman Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Damian-Serrano A, Sutherland KR. A Developmental Ontology for the Colonial Architecture of Salps. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2023; 245:9-18. [PMID: 38820292 DOI: 10.1086/730459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
AbstractColonial animals are composed of clonal individuals that remain physically connected and physiologically integrated. Salps are tunicates with a dual life cycle, including an asexual solitary stage that buds sexual colonies composed of jet-propelling zooids that efficiently swim together as a single unit by multijet propulsion. Colonies from different species develop distinct architectures characterized by their zooid arrangement patterns, but this diversity has received little attention. Thus, these architectures have never been formally defined using a framework of variables and axes that would allow comparative analyses. We set out to define an ontology of the salp colony architecture morphospace and describe the developmental pathways that build the different architectures. To inform these definitions, we collected and photographed live specimens of adult and developing colonies through offshore scuba diving. Since all salp colonies begin their development as a transversal double chain, we characterized each adult colonial architecture as a series of developmental transitions, such as rotations and translations of zooids, relative to their orientation at this early shared stage. We hypothesize that all adult architectures are either final or intermediate stages within three developmental pathways toward bipinnate, cluster, or helical forms. This framework will enable comparative studies on the biomechanical implications, ecological functions, evolutionary history, and engineering applications of the diversity of salp colony architectures.
Collapse
|
4
|
Du Clos KT, Gemmell BJ, Colin SP, Costello JH, Dabiri JO, Sutherland KR. Distributed propulsion enables fast and efficient swimming modes in physonect siphonophores. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202494119. [PMID: 36442124 PMCID: PMC9894174 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202494119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many fishes employ distinct swimming modes for routine swimming and predator escape. These steady and escape swimming modes are characterized by dramatically differing body kinematics that lead to context-adaptive differences in swimming performance. Physonect siphonophores, such as Nanomia bijuga, are colonial cnidarians that produce multiple jets for propulsion using swimming subunits called nectophores. Physonect siphonophores employ distinct routine and steady escape behaviors but-in contrast to fishes-do so using a decentralized propulsion system that allows them to alter the timing of thrust production, producing thrust either synchronously (simultaneously) for escape swimming or asynchronously (in sequence) for routine swimming. The swimming performance of these two swimming modes has not been investigated in siphonophores. In this study, we compare the performances of asynchronous and synchronous swimming in N. bijuga over a range of colony lengths (i.e., numbers of nectophores) by combining experimentally derived swimming parameters with a mechanistic swimming model. We show that synchronous swimming produces higher mean swimming speeds and greater accelerations at the expense of higher costs of transport. High speeds and accelerations during synchronous swimming aid in escaping predators, whereas low energy consumption during asynchronous swimming may benefit N. bijuga during vertical migrations over hundreds of meters depth. Our results also suggest that when designing underwater vehicles with multiple propulsors, varying the timing of thrust production could provide distinct modes directed toward speed, efficiency, or acceleration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T. Du Clos
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR97403
| | - Brad J. Gemmell
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL33620
| | - Sean P. Colin
- Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI02809
| | | | - John O. Dabiri
- Graduate Aerospace Laboratories and Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blasiak R, Jouffray JB, Amon DJ, Moberg F, Claudet J, Søgaard Jørgensen P, Pranindita A, Wabnitz CCC, Österblom H. A forgotten element of the blue economy: marine biomimetics and inspiration from the deep sea. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac196. [PMID: 36714844 PMCID: PMC9802412 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The morphology, physiology, and behavior of marine organisms have been a valuable source of inspiration for solving conceptual and design problems. Here, we introduce this rich and rapidly expanding field of marine biomimetics, and identify it as a poorly articulated and often overlooked element of the ocean economy associated with substantial monetary benefits. We showcase innovations across seven broad categories of marine biomimetic design (adhesion, antifouling, armor, buoyancy, movement, sensory, stealth), and use this framing as context for a closer consideration of the increasingly frequent focus on deep-sea life as an inspiration for biomimetic design. We contend that marine biomimetics is not only a "forgotten" sector of the ocean economy, but has the potential to drive appreciation of nonmonetary values, conservation, and stewardship, making it well-aligned with notions of a sustainable blue economy. We note, however, that the highest ambitions for a blue economy are that it not only drives sustainability, but also greater equity and inclusivity, and conclude by articulating challenges and considerations for bringing marine biomimetics onto this trajectory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Blasiak
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Robert Blasiak, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Diva J Amon
- SpeSeas, D'Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago,Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Fredrik Moberg
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden,The Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere Academy Program, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agnes Pranindita
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Colette C C Wabnitz
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA,Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Henrik Österblom
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden,Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan,South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies, CP 20200 Maldonado, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bartol IK, Ganley AM, Tumminelli AN, Krueger PS, Thompson JT. Vectored jets power arms-first and tail-first turns differently in brief squid with assistance from fins and keeled arms. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275902. [PMID: 35786780 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Squids maneuver to capture prey, elude predators, navigate complex habitats, and deny rivals access to mates. Despite the ecological importance of this essential locomotive function, limited quantitative data on turning performance and wake dynamics of squids are available. To better understand the contribution of the jet, fins, and arms to turns, the role of orientation (i.e., arms-first vs tail-first) in maneuvering, and relationship between jet flow and turning performance, kinematic and 3D velocimetry data were collected in tandem from brief squid Lolliguncula brevis. The pulsed jet, which can be vectored to direct flows, was the primary driver of most turning behaviors, producing flows with the highest impulse magnitude and angular impulse about the main axis of the turn (yaw) and secondary axes (roll and pitch). The fins and keeled arms played subordinate but important roles in turning performance, contributing to angular impulse, stabilizing the maneuver along multiple axes, and/or reducing rotational resistance. Orientation affected turning performance and dynamics, with tail-first turns being associated with greater impulse and angular impulse, longer jet structures, higher jet velocities, and greater angular turning velocities than arms-first turns. Conversely, arms-first turns involved shorter, slower jets with less impulse, but these directed short pulses resulted in lower minimum length-specific turning radii. Although the length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) of ejected jet flow was a useful metric for characterizing vortical flow features, it, by itself, was not a reliable predictor of angular velocity or turning radii, which reflects the complexity of the squid multi-propulsor system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian K Bartol
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Alissa M Ganley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Amanda N Tumminelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Paul S Krueger
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| | - Joseph T Thompson
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Byron M, Santhanakrishnan A, Murphy D. Metachronal Coordination of Multiple Appendages for Swimming and Pumping. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1561-1566. [PMID: 34410387 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a strategy for creating fluid flow, metachronal motion is widespread across sizes and species, including a broad array of morphologies, length scales, and coordination patterns. Because of this great diversity, it has not generally been viewed holistically: the study of metachrony for swimming and pumping has historically been taxonomically siloed, in spite of many commonalities between seemingly disparate organisms. The goal of the present symposium was to bring together individuals from different backgrounds, all of whom have made substantial individual contributions to our understanding of the fluid dynamics of metachronal motion. Because these problems share a common physical-mathematical basis, intentionally connecting this community is likely to yield future collaborations and significant scientific discovery. Here, we briefly introduce the concept of metachronal motion, present the benefits of creating a research network based on the common aspects of metachrony across biological systems, and outline the contributions to the symposium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Murphy
- University of South Florida, Mechanical Engineering
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gemmell BJ, Dabiri JO, Colin SP, Costello JH, Townsend JP, Sutherland KR. Cool your jets: biological jet propulsion in marine invertebrates. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269180. [PMID: 34137893 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.222083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pulsatile jet propulsion is a common swimming mode used by a diverse array of aquatic taxa from chordates to cnidarians. This mode of locomotion has interested both biologists and engineers for over a century. A central issue to understanding the important features of jet-propelling animals is to determine how the animal interacts with the surrounding fluid. Much of our knowledge of aquatic jet propulsion has come from simple theoretical approximations of both propulsive and resistive forces. Although these models and basic kinematic measurements have contributed greatly, they alone cannot provide the detailed information needed for a comprehensive, mechanistic overview of how jet propulsion functions across multiple taxa, size scales and through development. However, more recently, novel experimental tools such as high-speed 2D and 3D particle image velocimetry have permitted detailed quantification of the fluid dynamics of aquatic jet propulsion. Here, we provide a comparative analysis of a variety of parameters such as efficiency, kinematics and jet parameters, and review how they can aid our understanding of the principles of aquatic jet propulsion. Research on disparate taxa allows comparison of the similarities and differences between them and contributes to a more robust understanding of aquatic jet propulsion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad J Gemmell
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
| | - John O Dabiri
- Graduate Aerospace Laboratories and Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - Sean P Colin
- Department of Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809, USA
| | - John H Costello
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island 02918, USA
| | - James P Townsend
- Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island 02918, USA
| | - Kelly R Sutherland
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
| |
Collapse
|