1
|
Tang D, Shi W, Liu D, Yang Y, Zhu L, Xu L. Quantitative analysis of the morphing wing mechanism of raptors: Bionic design of Falco Peregrinus wing skeleton. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299982. [PMID: 38564602 PMCID: PMC10986943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299982] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The wing is one of the most important parts of a bird's locomotor system and is the inspiration origination for bionic wing design. During wing motions, the wing shape is closely related to the rotation angles of wing bones. Therefore, the research on the law of bone movement in the process of wing movement can be good guidance for the design of the bionic morphing wing. In this paper, the skeletal posture of the peregrine falcon wing during the extension/flexion is studied to obtain critical data on skeletal posture. Since an elbow joint and a wrist joint rotate correlatively to drive a wing to flex/extend, the wing skeleton is simplified as a four-bar mechanism in this paper. The degree of reproduction of wing skeleton postures was quantitatively analyzed using the four-bar mechanism model, and the bionic wing skeleton was designed. It is found that the wing motions have been reproduced with high precision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Tang
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenxi Shi
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dawei Liu
- High Speed Aerodynamic Institute, China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yin Yang
- High Speed Aerodynamic Institute, China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Liwen Zhu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lang Xu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Heers AM. Unexpected Performance in Developing Birds. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:772-784. [PMID: 37516443 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds are well known for their ability to fly, and flight-capable adult birds have many anatomical specializations for meeting the demands of aerial locomotion. Juvenile birds in altricial species typically acquire these specializations close to fledging and leave the nest with some flight capability. In contrast, juveniles in most precocial species begin navigating their environment with rudimentary anatomies and may not develop full-sized wings or musculoskeletal apparatuses for several months. This manuscript explores how juvenile birds achieve high levels of locomotor performance in the absence of flight specializations, by synthesizing work on two groups of precocial birds with very different developmental strategies. Galliforms like the Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) have early wing development and are capable of flight within weeks. Compared with adults, juvenile chukars have less aerodynamically effective feathers and smaller muscles but compensate through anatomical, kinematic, and behavioral mechanisms. In contrast, waterfowl have delayed wing development and initially rely on leg-based locomotion. In Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and their domesticated derivatives, leg investment and performance peak early in ontogeny, but then decline when wings develop. Chukar and mallard juveniles thus rely on different mechanisms for negotiating their surroundings in the absence of flight specializations. In conjunction with work in other animals, these patterns indicate that juveniles with developing locomotor apparatuses can achieve surprisingly high levels of locomotor performance through a variety of compensatory mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Heers
- California State University, Los Angeles, Biological Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu Q, Chen H, Li Z, Jiang S, Wang X, Zhou Z. The morphology and histology of the pectoral girdle of Hamipterus (Pterosauria), from the Early Cretaceous of Northwest China. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023. [PMID: 36787121 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
As one of the mysteries volant vertebrates, pterosaurs were completely extinct in the K-Pg extinction event, which hampered our understanding of their flight. Recent studies on pterosaur flight usually use birds as analogies, since their shoulder girdle share many features. However, it was also proposed that these two groups may differ in some critical flight mechanisms, such as the primary muscles for the upstroke of the wings. Here, we describe and characterize the detail features of the pectoral girdle morphology and histology in Hamipterus from the Early Cretaceous of Northwest China for the first time. Our research reveals that the scapula and coracoid of Hamipterus form a synostosis joint, representing a distinct pectoral girdle adaption during pterosaur flight evolution, different from that of birds. The residual of the articular cartilage of the glenoid fossa supports the potential for cartilage tissue preservation in this location. The morphology of the acrocoracoid process of Hamipterus indicates it may work as a pulley for M. supracoracoideus as the main power of flight upstroke resembles that of birds. But the saddle type of the shoulder joint of the pterosaur may limit the rotation of the humerus head, suggesting a particular mechanism to control the angle of attack unlike birds. The presence of both the similarity and differences between the flight apparatus of pterosaurs and birds are highlighted in our research, which may be related to the flight mechanism and forelimb functional adaption. The distinctive feature of the flight apparatus of pterosaur should be treated with caution in future research, to better understand the life of this unique extinct volant vertebrate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
| | - He Chen
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
| | - Shunxing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghe Zhou
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
USHINE N, MICHISHITA M, MACHIDA Y, ENOMOTO T, SAKAI T, KATO T, HAYAMA SI. Clinical examination and necropsy findings of a mountain hawk-eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) that died during rehabilitation. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:88-91. [PMID: 36436844 PMCID: PMC9887209 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0333] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the clinical signs and necropsy findings of a mountain hawk-eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) that died during rehabilitation. The bird was rescued and treated for open fracture of the right forearm. During rehabilitation, the bird could not stand up or fly. Part of the right secondary and left and right primary feathers were removed during rehabilitation; additional fracture was found in the right tibiotarsus and treated. However, the bird died 92 days after rescue and necropsy was performed. Severe hepatic lipidosis and capture myopathy were confirmed by histopathological examinations. These lesions may be associated with the cause of death of this animal. Accumulation of information is expected to contribute to the improvement of effective rehabilitation techniques for raptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nana USHINE
- Department of Wildlife Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan,Department of Animal Health Technology, Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology, Tokyo, Japan,Correspondence to: Ushine N: , Department of Animal Health Technology, Yamazaki
University of Animal Health Technology, 4-7-2 Minami-osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0364, Japan
| | - Masaki MICHISHITA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukino MACHIDA
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya ENOMOTO
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takuya KATO
- Department of Wildlife Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi HAYAMA
- Department of Wildlife Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang J, Zhao N, Qu F. Bio-inspired flapping wing robots with foldable or deformable wings: a review. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2022; 18:011002. [PMID: 36317380 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac9ef5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditional flapping-wing robots (FWRs) obtain lift and thrust by relying on the passive deformation of their wings which cannot actively fold or deform. In contrast, flying creatures such as birds, bats, and insects can maneuver agilely through active folding or deforming their wings. Researchers have developed many bio-inspired foldable or deformable wings (FDWs) imitating the wings of flying creatures. The foldable wings refer to the wings like the creatures' wings that can fold in an orderly manner close to their bodies. Such wings have scattered feathers or distinct creases that can be stacked and folded to reduce the body envelope, which in nature is beneficial for these animals to prevent wing damage and ensure agility in crossing bushes. The deformable wings refer to the active deformation of the wings using active driving mechanisms and the passive deformation under the aerodynamic force, which functionally imitates the excellent hydrodynamic performance of the deformable body and wings of the creatures. However, the shape and external profile changes of deformable wings tend to be much smaller than that of folding wings. FDWs enable the FWRs to improve flight degree of flexibility, maneuverability, and efficiency and reduce flight energy consumption. However, FDWs still need to be studied, and a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art progress of FDWs in FWR design is lacking. This paper analyzes the wing folding and deformation mechanisms of the creatures and reviews the latest progress of FWRs with FDWs. Furthermore, we summarize the current limitations and propose future directions in FDW design, which could help researchers to develop better FWRs for safe maneuvering in obstacle-dense environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyang Qu
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Quantitative analysis of the morphing wing mechanism of raptors: analysis methods, folding motions, and bionic design of Falco peregrinus. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
7
|
Benito J, Chen A, Wilson LE, Bhullar BAS, Burnham D, Field DJ. Forty new specimens of Ichthyornis provide unprecedented insight into the postcranial morphology of crownward stem group birds. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13919. [PMID: 36545383 PMCID: PMC9762251 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ichthyornis has long been recognized as a pivotally important fossil taxon for understanding the latest stages of the dinosaur-bird transition, but little significant new postcranial material has been brought to light since initial descriptions of partial skeletons in the 19th Century. Here, we present new information on the postcranial morphology of Ichthyornis from 40 previously undescribed specimens, providing the most complete morphological assessment of the postcranial skeleton of Ichthyornis to date. The new material includes four partially complete skeletons and numerous well-preserved isolated elements, enabling new anatomical observations such as muscle attachments previously undescribed for Mesozoic euornitheans. Among the elements that were previously unknown or poorly represented for Ichthyornis, the new specimens include an almost-complete axial series, a hypocleideum-bearing furcula, radial carpal bones, fibulae, a complete tarsometatarsus bearing a rudimentary hypotarsus, and one of the first-known nearly complete three-dimensional sterna from a Mesozoic avialan. Several pedal phalanges are preserved, revealing a remarkably enlarged pes presumably related to foot-propelled swimming. Although diagnosable as Ichthyornis, the new specimens exhibit a substantial degree of morphological variation, some of which may relate to ontogenetic changes. Phylogenetic analyses incorporating our new data and employing alternative morphological datasets recover Ichthyornis stemward of Hesperornithes and Iaceornis, in line with some recent hypotheses regarding the topology of the crownward-most portion of the avian stem group, and we establish phylogenetically-defined clade names for relevant avialan subclades to help facilitate consistent discourse in future work. The new information provided by these specimens improves our understanding of morphological evolution among the crownward-most non-neornithine avialans immediately preceding the origin of crown group birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Benito
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.,Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Chen
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.,Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Laura E Wilson
- Fort Hays State University, Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Department of Geosciences, Hays, Kansas, United States
| | - Bhart-Anjan S Bhullar
- Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, Conneticut, United States.,Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Conneticut, United States
| | - David Burnham
- University of Kansas, Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
| | - Daniel J Field
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.,University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cheney JA, Stevenson JPJ, Durston NE, Maeda M, Song J, Megson-Smith DA, Windsor SP, Usherwood JR, Bomphrey RJ. Raptor wing morphing with flight speed. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210349. [PMID: 34255986 PMCID: PMC8277465 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In gliding flight, birds morph their wings and tails to control their flight trajectory and speed. Using high-resolution videogrammetry, we reconstructed accurate and detailed three-dimensional geometries of gliding flights for three raptors (barn owl, Tyto alba; tawny owl, Strix aluco, and goshawk, Accipiter gentilis). Wing shapes were highly repeatable and shoulder actuation was a key component of reconfiguring the overall planform and controlling angle of attack. The three birds shared common spanwise patterns of wing twist, an inverse relationship between twist and peak camber, and held their wings depressed below their shoulder in an anhedral configuration. With increased speed, all three birds tended to reduce camber throughout the wing, and their wings bent in a saddle-shape pattern. A number of morphing features suggest that the coordinated movements of the wing and tail support efficient flight, and that the tail may act to modulate wing camber through indirect aeroelastic control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorn A. Cheney
- Structure and Motional Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | | | - Nicholas E. Durston
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Masateru Maeda
- Structure and Motional Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jialei Song
- Structure and Motional Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - David A. Megson-Smith
- Interface Analysis Centre, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK
| | - Shane P. Windsor
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
| | - James R. Usherwood
- Structure and Motional Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Richard J. Bomphrey
- Structure and Motional Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Colognesi V, Ronsse R, Chatelain P. Model coupling biomechanics and fluid dynamics for the simulation of controlled flapping flight. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:026023. [PMID: 33470974 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/abdd9c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes a multiphysics computational framework coupling biomechanics and aerodynamics for the simulation of bird flight. It features a biomechanical model based on the anatomy of a bird, which models the bones and feathers of the wing. The aerodynamic solver relies on a vortex particle-mesh method and represents the wing through an immersed lifting line, acting as a source of vorticity in the flow. An application of the numerical tool is presented in the modeling of the flight of a northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita). The wing kinematics are imposed based on biological observations and controllers are developed to enable stable flight in a closed loop. Their design is based on a linearized model of flapping flight dynamics. The controller solves an underdetermination in the control parameters through minimization. The tool and the controllers are used in two simulations: one where the bird has to trim itself at a given flight speed, and another where it has to accelerate from a trimmed state to another at a higher speed. The bird wake is accurately represented. It is analyzed and compared to the widespread frozen-wake assumption, highlighting phenomena that the latter cannot capture. The method also allows the computation of the aerodynamic forces experienced by the flier, either through the lifting line method or through control-volume analysis. The computed power requirements at several flight speeds exhibit an order of magnitude and dependency on velocity in agreement with the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Colognesi
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Renaud Ronsse
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Philippe Chatelain
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fabian NJ, Esmail MY, Richey L, Muthupalani S, Haupt JL, Joy J, Carrasco SE. Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma with visceral metastases in a White Carneau pigeon and literature review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:1040638721992061. [PMID: 33543674 PMCID: PMC8120085 DOI: 10.1177/1040638721992061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leiomyosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin and are reported occasionally in avian species. A 14-y-old male laboratory White Carneau pigeon (Columba livia) was presented for surgical excision of a cervical soft tissue mass. Ultrasonography with color flow Doppler imaging revealed multiple cavitations of mixed echogenicity within the mass and vascularization. Histologically, the dermis and subcutis were expanded by a densely cellular multinodular mass comprised of fusiform cells forming haphazardly arranged broad streams and short interwoven bundles, often surrounding blood vessels and variably sized cavitations. Neoplastic cells were strongly immunopositive for desmin and α-smooth muscle actin, and negative for pancytokeratin, S100, and von Willebrand factor. Based on histopathology and IHC findings, the cutaneous mass was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The pigeon died 312 d post-operatively. Postmortem examination revealed masses infiltrating the left and right pulmonary airways and one hepatic nodule, but no regrowth at the surgical site. Histologic and IHC evaluation of the pulmonary and hepatic masses were consistent with LMS, representing metastatic foci from the primary cutaneous LMS. Our case highlights the malignant behavior and histomorphologic features of cutaneous LMS in an avian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niora J. Fabian
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Lauren Richey
- Tufts Comparative Medicine Services, Tufts University,
Boston, MA
| | | | - Jennifer L. Haupt
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Joanna Joy
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Sebastian E. Carrasco
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clark CJ, Jaworski JW. Introduction to the Symposium: Bio-Inspiration of Quiet Flight of Owls and Other Flying Animals: Recent Advances and Unanswered Questions. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:1025-1035. [PMID: 33220059 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal wings produce an acoustic signature in flight. Many owls are able to suppress this noise to fly quietly relative to other birds. Instead of silent flight, certain birds have conversely evolved to produce extra sound with their wings for communication. The papers in this symposium synthesize ongoing research in "animal aeroacoustics": the study of how animal flight produces an acoustic signature, its biological context, and possible bio-inspired engineering applications. Three papers present research on flycatchers and doves, highlighting work that continues to uncover new physical mechanisms by which bird wings can make communication sounds. Quiet flight evolves in the context of a predator-prey interaction, either to help predators such as owls hear its prey better, or to prevent the prey from hearing the approaching predator. Two papers present work on hearing in owls and insect prey. Additional papers focus on the sounds produced by wings during flight, and on the fluid mechanics of force production by flapping wings. For instance, there is evidence that birds such as nightbirds, hawks, or falcons may also have quiet flight. Bat flight appears to be quieter than bird flight, for reasons that are not fully explored. Several research avenues remain open, including the role of flapping versus gliding flight or the physical acoustic mechanisms by which flight sounds are reduced. The convergent interest of the biology and engineering communities on quiet owl flight comes at a time of nascent developments in the energy and transportation sectors, where noise and its perception are formidable obstacles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Clark
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Spieth Hall, University of California, Riverside, CA 94720, USA
| | - Justin W Jaworski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Packard Laboratory, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gamble LL, Harvey C, Inman DJ. Load alleviation of feather-inspired compliant airfoils for instantaneous flow control. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2020; 15:056010. [PMID: 32521517 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab9b6f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Birds morph their wing shape to adjust to changing environments through muscle-activated morphing of the skeletal structure and passive morphing of the flexible skin and feathers. The role of feather morphing has not been well studied and its impact on aerodynamics is largely unknown. Here we investigate the aero-structural response of a flexible airfoil, designed with biologically accurate structural and material data from feathers, and compared the results to an equivalent rigid airfoil. Two coupled aero-structural models are developed and validated to simulate the response of a bioinspired flexible airfoil across a range of aerodynamic flight conditions. We found that the bioinspired flexible airfoil maintained lift at Reynolds numbers below 1.5 × 105, within the avian flight regime, performing similarly to its rigid counterpart. At greater Reynolds numbers, the flexible airfoil alleviated the lift force and experienced trailing edge tip displacement. Principal component analysis identified that the Reynolds number dominated this passive shape change which induced a decambering effect, although the angle of attack was found to effect the location of maximum camber. These results imply that birds or aircraft that have tailored chordwise flexible wings will respond like rigid wings while operating at low speeds, but will passively unload large lift forces while operating at high speeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawren L Gamble
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Christina Harvey
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Inman
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carney RM, Tischlinger H, Shawkey MD. Evidence corroborates identity of isolated fossil feather as a wing covert of Archaeopteryx. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15593. [PMID: 32999314 PMCID: PMC7528088 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65336-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The historic fossil feather from the Jurassic Solnhofen has played a pivotal but controversial role in our evolutionary understanding of dinosaurs and birds. Recently, a study confirmed the diagnostic morphology of the feather’s original calamus, but nonetheless challenged the proposed identity as an Archaeopteryx covert. However, there are errors in the results and interpretations presented. Here we show that the feather is most likely an upper major primary covert, based on its long calamus (23.3% total length) and eight other anatomical attributes. Critically, this hypothesis is independently supported by evidence of similar primary coverts in multiple specimens of Archaeopteryx–including from the same fossil site and horizon as the isolated feather. We also provide additional insights, such as an updated colour reconstruction of the entire feather as matte black, with 90% probability. Given the isolated nature of the fossil feather, we can never know the anatomical and taxonomic provenance with 100% certainty. However, based on all available evidence, the most empirical and parsimonious conclusion is that this feather represents a primary covert from the ancient wing of Archaeopteryx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Carney
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | | | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Matloff LY, Chang E, Feo TJ, Jeffries L, Stowers AK, Thomson C, Lentink D. How flight feathers stick together to form a continuous morphing wing. Science 2020; 367:293-297. [PMID: 31949079 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Variable feather overlap enables birds to morph their wings, unlike aircraft. They accomplish this feat by means of elastic compliance of connective tissue, which passively redistributes the overlapping flight feathers when the skeleton moves to morph the wing planform. Distinctive microstructures form "directional Velcro," such that when adjacent feathers slide apart during extension, thousands of lobate cilia on the underlapping feathers lock probabilistically with hooked rami of overlapping feathers to prevent gaps. These structures unlock automatically during flexion. Using a feathered biohybrid aerial robot, we demonstrate how both passive mechanisms make morphing wings robust to turbulence. We found that the hooked microstructures fasten feathers across bird species except silent fliers, whose feathers also lack the associated Velcro-like noise. These findings could inspire innovative directional fasteners and morphing aircraft.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Y Matloff
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Teresa J Feo
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA.,California Council on Science and Technology, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Lindsie Jeffries
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amanda K Stowers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cole Thomson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David Lentink
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chang E, Matloff LY, Stowers AK, Lentink D. Soft biohybrid morphing wings with feathers underactuated by wrist and finger motion. Sci Robot 2020; 5:5/38/eaay1246. [DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aay1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura Y. Matloff
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amanda K. Stowers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David Lentink
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Williams TD. Physiology, activity and costs of parental care in birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/17/jeb169433. [PMID: 30201656 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.169433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Parental care is assumed to be costly in that it requires sustained, high-intensity activity sufficient to cause costs of reproduction (decreased survival and future fecundity of parents). Costs of reproduction are, in turn, thought to have a physiological basis where intense activity causes a decrease in parental condition. However, attempts to identify the physiological basis of costs of reproduction have produced mixed results. Here, I argue that in birds, the central idea that parental care represents sustained, high-intensity work might be incorrect. Specifically: (a) the duration of intense activity associated with chick-rearing might be quite limited; (b) flight, the most obvious sustained, high-intensity activity, might only represent a small component of an individual's overall activity budget; (c) some (high-quality) individuals might be able to tolerate costs of intense activity, either owing to their physiological state or because they have access to more resources, without perturbation of physiological homeostasis; and (d) individuals might utilise other mechanisms to modulate costs of activity, for example, mass loss, again avoiding more substantial physiological costs. Furthermore, I highlight the important fact that life-history theory predicts that reproductive trade-offs should only be expected under food stress. Most birds breed in spring and early summer precisely because of seasonal increases in food abundance, and so it is unclear how often parents are food stressed. Consequently, I argue that there are many reasons why costs of reproduction, and any physiological signature of these costs, might be quite rare, both temporally (in different years) and among individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kondo M, Sekine T, Miyakoshi T, Kitajima K, Egawa S, Seki R, Abe G, Tamura K. Flight feather development: its early specialization during embryogenesis. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2018; 4:2. [PMID: 29372073 PMCID: PMC5771061 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-017-0085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flight feathers, a type of feather that is unique to extant/extinct birds and some non-avian dinosaurs, are the most evolutionally advanced type of feather. In general, feather types are formed in the second or later generation of feathers at the first and following molting, and the first molting begins at around two weeks post hatching in chicken. However, it has been stated in some previous reports that the first molting from the natal down feathers to the flight feathers is much earlier than that for other feather types, suggesting that flight feather formation starts as an embryonic event. The aim of this study was to determine the inception of flight feather morphogenesis and to identify embryological processes specific to flight feathers in contrast to those of down feathers. RESULTS We found that the second generation of feather that shows a flight feather-type arrangement has already started developing by chick embryonic day 18, deep in the skin of the flight feather-forming region. This was confirmed by shh gene expression that shows barb pattern, and the expression pattern revealed that the second generation of feather development in the flight feather-forming region seems to start by embryonic day 14. The first stage at which we detected a specific morphology of the feather bud in the flight feather-forming region was embryonic day 11, when internal invagination of the feather bud starts, while the external morphology of the feather bud is radial down-type. CONCLUSION The morphogenesis for the flight feather, the most advanced type of feather, has been drastically modified from the beginning of feather morphogenesis, suggesting that early modification of the embryonic morphogenetic process may have played a crucial role in the morphological evolution of this key innovation. Co-optation of molecular cues for axial morphogenesis in limb skeletal development may be able to modify morphogenesis of the feather bud, giving rise to flight feather-specific morphogenesis of traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Kondo
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Tomoe Sekine
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Taku Miyakoshi
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Keiichi Kitajima
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Shiro Egawa
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Ryohei Seki
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
- Mammalian Genetics Laboratory, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540 Japan
| | - Gembu Abe
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| | - Koji Tamura
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bribiesca-Contreras F, Sellers WI. Three-dimensional visualisation of the internal anatomy of the sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus) forelimb using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3039. [PMID: 28316884 PMCID: PMC5356476 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gross dissection is a widespread method for studying animal anatomy, despite being highly destructive and time-consuming. X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be a non-destructive alternative for studying anatomical structures. However, in the past it has been limited to only being able to visualise mineralised tissues. In recent years, morphologists have started to use traditional X-ray contrast agents to allow the visualisation of soft tissue elements in the CT context. The aim of this project is to assess the ability of contrast-enhanced micro-CT (μCT) to construct a three-dimensional (3D) model of the musculoskeletal system of the bird wing and to quantify muscle geometry and any systematic changes due to shrinkage. We expect that this reconstruction can be used as an anatomical guide to the sparrowhawk wing musculature and form the basis of further biomechanical analysis of flight. Methods A 3% iodine-buffered formalin solution with a 25-day staining period was used to visualise the wing myology of the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). μCT scans of the wing were taken over the staining period until full penetration of the forelimb musculature by iodine was reached. A 3D model was reconstructed by manually segmenting out the individual elements of the avian wing using 3D visualisation software. Results Different patterns of contrast were observed over the duration of the staining treatment with the best results occurring after 25 days of staining. Staining made it possible to visualise and identify different elements of the soft tissue of the wing. Finally, a 3D reconstruction of the musculoskeletal system of the sparrowhawk wing is presented and numerical data of muscle geometry is compared to values obtained by dissection. Discussion Contrast-enhanced μCT allows the visualisation and identification of the wing myology of birds, including the smaller muscles in the hand, and provides a non-destructive way for quantifying muscle volume with an accuracy of 96.2%. By combining contrast-enhanced μCT with 3D visualisation techniques, it is possible to study the individual muscles of the forelimb in their original position and 3D design, which can be the basis of further biomechanical analysis. Because the stain can be washed out post analysis, this technique provides a means of obtaining quantitative muscle data from museum specimens non-destructively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - William I Sellers
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| |
Collapse
|