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Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance

Ramirez, Edward A.

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science, University of Akron, Biology.
The mechanics of gecko adhesion have been tested extensively at the micro- and nanoscopic scale. However, relatively few studies have examined the adhesive system at the whole organism level. One feature that has been overlooked in particular is gecko digital hyperextension. The first objective of this study was to measure the hyperextension of the digits of three different species and test for correlations between hyperextension and kinematic variables such as duty factor. We tested the hypothesis that digital hyperextension measurements are significantly different between species. We also tested the hypothesis that there would be a correlation between duty factor and hyperextension. The second objective was to explore ecological applications to hyperextension by running geckos across substrates of varying surface roughness. We tested the hypothesis that the sprint speeds of species with greater hyperextension would vary less across substrates of different roughness. Our study provides insight on the diversity of gecko adhesion and on how species thrive in different habitats. The results of this experiment can also contribute to engineering applications, such as synthetic adhesives and robotics.
Peter Niewiarowski, Dr. (Advisor)
Todd Blackledge, Dr. (Committee Member)
Jesse Young, Dr. (Committee Member)
42 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ramirez, E. A. (2012). Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ramirez, Edward. Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance. 2012. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ramirez, Edward. "Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)