Fred Ruhe
Well-known member
Melody W. Young, Alec T. Wilken, Armita R. Manafzadeh, Alissa F. Schurr, Aaron Bastian, Edwin Dickinson & Michael C. Granatosky, 2023
The dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of parrots
Journal: Journal of Experimental Biology 226 (24): jeb246659
doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.246659
https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/226/24/jeb246659/336535/The-dual-function-of-prokinesis-in-the-feeding-and
Abstract: The dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of parrots
Prokinesis, a mode of avian cranial kinesis involving motion between the neurocranium and upper beak, has long been investigated in biomechanical analyses of avian feeding and drinking. However, the modern avian beak is also used for non-feeding functions. Here, we investigate the dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of the rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Lovebirds and other parrots utilize their beak both during feeding and as a third limb during vertical climbing. Thus, we experimentally measured both force-generating potential and movement of the rosy-faced lovebird mandible and maxilla (via prokinetic flexion of the craniofacial hinge) during tripedal climbing and mandibular/maxillary adduction. We found that whereas the maxilla is primarily responsible for generating force during locomotion, the mandible is primarily responsible for generating force during forceful jaw adduction, hinting at a remarkable capacity to alter prokinetic function with differing neuromuscular control. The ability of the prokinetic apparatus to perform functions with competing optimality criteria via modulation of motor control illustrates the functional plasticity of the avian cranial kinesis and sheds new light on the adaptive significance of cranial mobility.
Enjoy,
Fred
The dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of parrots
Journal: Journal of Experimental Biology 226 (24): jeb246659
doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.246659
https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/226/24/jeb246659/336535/The-dual-function-of-prokinesis-in-the-feeding-and
Abstract: The dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of parrots
Prokinesis, a mode of avian cranial kinesis involving motion between the neurocranium and upper beak, has long been investigated in biomechanical analyses of avian feeding and drinking. However, the modern avian beak is also used for non-feeding functions. Here, we investigate the dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of the rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Lovebirds and other parrots utilize their beak both during feeding and as a third limb during vertical climbing. Thus, we experimentally measured both force-generating potential and movement of the rosy-faced lovebird mandible and maxilla (via prokinetic flexion of the craniofacial hinge) during tripedal climbing and mandibular/maxillary adduction. We found that whereas the maxilla is primarily responsible for generating force during locomotion, the mandible is primarily responsible for generating force during forceful jaw adduction, hinting at a remarkable capacity to alter prokinetic function with differing neuromuscular control. The ability of the prokinetic apparatus to perform functions with competing optimality criteria via modulation of motor control illustrates the functional plasticity of the avian cranial kinesis and sheds new light on the adaptive significance of cranial mobility.
Enjoy,
Fred
