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Results for “locomotion predation”

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6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Quantifying the control laws governing terminal attack in lions.

Intercepting an evasive, maneuvering target is among the most computationally demanding tasks a predator performs: in the terminal phase of a chase, it must continuously convert sensory information about the target into steering and speed commands, subject to its own biomechanical limits. How terrestrial predators solve this in real time has remained difficult to quantify. Here, we combine drone videography with AI-based markerless pose estimation to reconstruct the kinematics of 67 lion (Panthera leo) attacks on a mechanized lure programmed to move unpredictably. Lion steering is described by a combination of proportional navigation and proportional pursuit, which is a mixed guidance law previously identified only in the aerial pursuit of Harris's hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus), and speed is regulated within a defined kinematic envelope during turns, which declines at close range where the cost of overshooting is greatest. These findings reveal shared guidance principles across aerial and terrestrial pursuit, thus providing a quantitative framework for comparing pursuit strategies across species.

computational ethology↗
PubMed1979

Dislocation of the elbow and its social consequences for an African elephant.

A dislocated elbow of a male elephant calf (Loxodonta africana) in the Addo Elephant National Park resulted in it being harassed by other elephants and consequently leaving its maternal herd at the age of 6 years, rather than the more usual age of 9-10 years. In the absence of large predators the elephant had survived for 9 years and had adapted its locomotion and intraspecific behaviour to its injury. The humeral joint of the affected forelimb was carried in partial extension while the cubital and carpal joints were permanently in partial flexion. Substantial secondary osteoarthritic changes, extensive fusion and compensatory remodelling of the humerus, radius and ulna had taken place together with compensatory development in the musculature. The planes of articulation of the limb bones had also been considerably rotated inward.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

The effect of size on the fast-start performance of rainbow trout Salmo cairdneri, and a consideration of piscivorous predator-prey interactions.

The fast-start (acceleration) performance of seven groups of rainbow trout from 9-6 to 38-7 cm total length was measured in response to d.c. electric shock stimuli. Two fast-start kinematic patterns, L- and S-start were observed. In L-starts the body was bent into an L or U shape and a recoil turn normally accompanied acceleration. Free manoeuvre was not possible in L-starts without loss of speed. In S-starts the body was bent into an S-shape and fish accelerated without a recoil turn. The frequency of S-starts increased with size from 0 for the smallest fish to 60-65% for the largest fish. Acceleration turns were common. The radius of smallest turn for both fast-start patterns was proportional to length (L) with an overall radius of 0-17 L. The duration of the primary acceleration stages increased with size from 0-07 s for the group of smallest fish to 0-10 s for the group of largest fish. Acceleration rates were independent of size. The overall mean maximum rate was 3438 cm/s2 and the average value to the end of the primary acceleration movements was 1562 cm/s2. The distance covered and velocity attained after a given time for fish accelerating from rest were independent of size. The results are discussed in the context of interactions between a predator and prey fish following initial approach by the predator. It is concluded that the outcome of an interaction is likely to depend on reaction times of interacting fish responding to manoeuvres initiated by the predator or prey. The prey reaction time results in the performance of the predator exceeding that of the prey at any instant. The predator reaction time and predator error in responses to unpredictable prey manoeuvre are required for prey escape. It is predicted that a predator should strike the prey within 0-1 s if the fish are initially 5-15 cm apart as reported in the literature for predator-prey interactions. These distances would be increased for non-optimal prey escape behaviour and when the prey body was more compressed or depressed than the predator.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Natural selection for juvenile lizards mimicking noxious beetles.

Adult Eremias lugubris in southern Africa are concealingly colored and move with a typical lizard gait, but the jet-black and white juveniles are conspicuous and forage actively with arched backs. In color, gait, and size, juveniles mimic "oogpister" beetles (Carabidae: Anthia) that spray an acidic, pungent fluid when molested. This unique mimicry, which is believed to be the first reported case of a terrestrial vertebrate mimicking an invertebrate, seems to reduce predation on juvenile lizards.

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed1978

Effects of bot fly (Cuterebra) parasitism on activity patterns of Peromyscus maniculatus in the laboratory.

Peromyscus maniculatus subjected to bot fly (Cuterebra) parasitism in the laboratory showed significant changes in amount and temporal distribution of several activity patterns. Strenuous activities, such as running in an exercise wheel or stereotypic somersaulting, declined while less strenuous activities associated with maintenance behaviors increased. Diurnal response to handling and disturbance declined significantly in infected mice. The temporal distribution of nocturnal activity was altered, and may affect vulnerability of infected mice to small predators. Most changes persisted for at least a week postinfection.

Animals↗