On the hindlimb biomechanics of the avian take-off leap
On the hindlimb biomechanics of the avian take-off leap
Although extant land birds take to the air by leaping, generating the initial take-off velocity primarily from the hindlimbs, the detailed musculoskeletal mechanics remain largely unknown. We therefore simulated in silico the take-off leap of the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata, a model species of passerine, a class of bird which includes over half of all extant bird species. A 3D computational musculoskeletal model of the zebra finch hindlimb, comprising of 43 musculotendon units was developed and driven with previously published take-off ground reaction forces and kinematics. Using inverse dynamics, the external moments at the ankle, knee, and hip joints were calculated and contrasted to the cumulative muscle capability to balance these moments. Mean peak external flexion moments at the hip and ankle were 0.55 bodyweight times leg length (BWL) each whilst peak knee extension moments were about half that value (0.29 BWL). Muscles had the capacity to generate 146%, 230%, and 212 % of the mean peak external moments at the hip, knee, and ankle, respectively. Similarities in hindlimb morphology and external loading across passerine species suggest that the effective take-off strategy employed by the zebra finch may be shared across the passerine clade and therefore half of all birds.
Meilak, E.A.
6b2a3033-e4fa-4278-8564-76496a648eb2
Provini, P.
a7977fce-e820-4cb8-9895-e9c49ad492a9
Palmer, C.
02f3cb3e-f817-40f8-9ee7-481f52bbbaf6
Gostling, N.J.
4840aa40-cb6c-4112-a0b9-694a869523fc
Heller, M.O.
3da19d2a-f34d-4ff1-8a34-9b5a7e695829
20 November 2021
Meilak, E.A.
6b2a3033-e4fa-4278-8564-76496a648eb2
Provini, P.
a7977fce-e820-4cb8-9895-e9c49ad492a9
Palmer, C.
02f3cb3e-f817-40f8-9ee7-481f52bbbaf6
Gostling, N.J.
4840aa40-cb6c-4112-a0b9-694a869523fc
Heller, M.O.
3da19d2a-f34d-4ff1-8a34-9b5a7e695829
[Unknown type: UNSPECIFIED]
Abstract
Although extant land birds take to the air by leaping, generating the initial take-off velocity primarily from the hindlimbs, the detailed musculoskeletal mechanics remain largely unknown. We therefore simulated in silico the take-off leap of the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata, a model species of passerine, a class of bird which includes over half of all extant bird species. A 3D computational musculoskeletal model of the zebra finch hindlimb, comprising of 43 musculotendon units was developed and driven with previously published take-off ground reaction forces and kinematics. Using inverse dynamics, the external moments at the ankle, knee, and hip joints were calculated and contrasted to the cumulative muscle capability to balance these moments. Mean peak external flexion moments at the hip and ankle were 0.55 bodyweight times leg length (BWL) each whilst peak knee extension moments were about half that value (0.29 BWL). Muscles had the capacity to generate 146%, 230%, and 212 % of the mean peak external moments at the hip, knee, and ankle, respectively. Similarities in hindlimb morphology and external loading across passerine species suggest that the effective take-off strategy employed by the zebra finch may be shared across the passerine clade and therefore half of all birds.
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Published date: 20 November 2021
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Local EPrints ID: 492790
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/492790
PURE UUID: cf0d308d-5ebb-4e1f-935e-7540892848b6
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Date deposited: 14 Aug 2024 16:34
Last modified: 15 Aug 2024 01:44
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Author:
P. Provini
Author:
C. Palmer
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