 |
|
Flips, flops and cartwheels
September 09, 2009Scientists discover gecko tail has a mind of its own
Geckos and other lizards have long been known for their incredible ability to shed their tails as a decoy for predators, but little is known about the movements and what controls the tail once it separates from the lizard's body.
Anthony Russell of the University of Calgary and Tim Higham of Clemson University in South Carolina are closer to solving this mystery as outlined in a paper they co-authored published in the journal Biology Letters.
The scientists demonstrate that tails exhibit not only rhythmic but also complex movements, including flips, jumps and lunges, after the tails are shed. Although one previous study has looked at movement of the tail after it is severed, no study up to this point has quantified movement patterns of the tail by examining the relationship between such patterns and muscular activity.
The new findings are significant because Higham and Russell's discoveries indicate that the lizard tail can provide a model for studying the complex functions of the spinal cord and the effects of spinal cord injuries.
"Much is known about the ecological ramifications of tail loss, such as distracting predators, storing energy reserves and establishing social status but little is known about the pattern and control of movement of automized gecko tails," says Russell a biological sciences professor at the U of C. "What we've discovered is that the tail does not simply oscillate in a repetitive fashion, but has an intricate repertoire of varied and highly complex movements, including acrobatic flips up to three centimetres in height."
Higham, a former U of C student and now an assistant professor of biological sciences at Clemson, says more study needs to be done.
"An intriguing, and as yet unanswered, question is what is the source of the stimulus is that initiates complex movements in the shed tails of leopard geckos," says Higham. "The most plausible explanation is that the tail relies on sensory feedback from the environment. Sensors on its surface may tell it to jump, pivot or travel in a certain direction."
The ability of an animal, or part of an animal, to move without the active control of higher centres in the brain is well known, but this generally occurs as a result of traumatic physical injury. Tails of lizards are shed under the animal's own control. Because of this, the behaviour of the shed part has adaptive evolutionary importance and its actions are programmed to assist in the owner's survival. The movements are coordinated by the part of the spinal cord that is housed in the tail. The isolated tail serves as a vehicle for studying the ways that nerves and muscles act together to generate controlled but complex outputs in the absence of the influence of the brain.
"The automized gecko tail may be an excellent model for understanding the spontaneous activity that is sometimes observed following partial or complete spinal cord injury," says Russell.
The new study shows that the signals responsible for movements of the shed tail begin at the very far end of the tail, indicating that there is a control centre located there that is likely overridden by higher centres until the tail is shed, at which point its potential is realized.
University of Calgary
The scientists demonstrate that tails exhibit not only rhythmic but also complex movements, including flips, jumps and lunges, after the tails are shed. Although one previous study has looked at movement of the tail after it is severed, no study up to this point has quantified movement patterns of the tail by examining the relationship between such patterns and muscular activity.
The new findings are significant because Higham and Russell's discoveries indicate that the lizard tail can provide a model for studying the complex functions of the spinal cord and the effects of spinal cord injuries.
"Much is known about the ecological ramifications of tail loss, such as distracting predators, storing energy reserves and establishing social status but little is known about the pattern and control of movement of automized gecko tails," says Russell a biological sciences professor at the U of C. "What we've discovered is that the tail does not simply oscillate in a repetitive fashion, but has an intricate repertoire of varied and highly complex movements, including acrobatic flips up to three centimetres in height."
Higham, a former U of C student and now an assistant professor of biological sciences at Clemson, says more study needs to be done.
"An intriguing, and as yet unanswered, question is what is the source of the stimulus is that initiates complex movements in the shed tails of leopard geckos," says Higham. "The most plausible explanation is that the tail relies on sensory feedback from the environment. Sensors on its surface may tell it to jump, pivot or travel in a certain direction."
The ability of an animal, or part of an animal, to move without the active control of higher centres in the brain is well known, but this generally occurs as a result of traumatic physical injury. Tails of lizards are shed under the animal's own control. Because of this, the behaviour of the shed part has adaptive evolutionary importance and its actions are programmed to assist in the owner's survival. The movements are coordinated by the part of the spinal cord that is housed in the tail. The isolated tail serves as a vehicle for studying the ways that nerves and muscles act together to generate controlled but complex outputs in the absence of the influence of the brain.
"The automized gecko tail may be an excellent model for understanding the spontaneous activity that is sometimes observed following partial or complete spinal cord injury," says Russell.
The new study shows that the signals responsible for movements of the shed tail begin at the very far end of the tail, indicating that there is a control centre located there that is likely overridden by higher centres until the tail is shed, at which point its potential is realized.
University of Calgary
Gecko Current Events and Gecko News RSSHundreds of New Species Discovered in Fragile Eastern Himalayas
Over 350 new species including the world's smallest deer, a "flying frog" and a 100 million-year old gecko have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change.
Bizarre walking bat has ancient heritage
A bizarre New Zealand bat that is as much at home walking four-legged on the ground as winging through the air had an Australian ancestor 20 million years ago with the same rare ability, a new study has found.
Neon blue-tailed tree lizard glides like a feather
Most lacertid lizards are content scurrying in and out of nooks and crannies in walls and between rocks. However, some have opted for an arboreal life style.
'Gecko vision': Key to the multifocal contact lens of the future?
Nocturnal geckos are among the very few living creatures able to see colors at night, and scientists' discovery of series of distinct concentric zones may lead to insight into better cameras and contact lenses.
New species of spiders discovered by UBC scientist in Papua New Guinea
A University of British Columbia researcher has discovered dozens of species of jumping spiders that are new to science, giving scientists a peek into a section of the evolutionary tree previously thought to be sparse.
Genetic study finds treasure trove of new lizards
University of Adelaide research has discovered that there are many more species of Australian lizards than previously thought, raising new questions about conservation and management of Australia's native reptiles.
As Sticky as a Gecko ... but Ten Times Stronger!
The gecko's amazing ability to stick to surfaces and walk up walls has inspired many researchers to manufacture materials that mimic the special surface of a gecko's foot.
New gecko-like adhesive shakes off dirt
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are continuing their march toward creating a synthetic, gecko-like adhesive, one sticky step at a time. Their latest milestone is the first adhesive that cleans itself after each use without the need for water or chemicals, much like the remarkable hairs found on the gecko lizard's toes.
New family of gecko discovered by researchers from the U of Minnesota and Villanova University
Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History and Pennsylvania's Villanova University have discovered a new family of gecko, the charismatic large-eyed lizard popularized by car insurance commercials.
MIT creates gecko-inspired bandage
MIT researchers and colleagues have created a waterproof adhesive bandage inspired by gecko lizards that may soon join sutures and staples as a basic operating room tool for patching up surgical wounds or internal injuries.
More Gecko Current Events and Gecko News Articles
 |
Company's Coming DBP-074 Gecko Painted Doorbell Cover by Company's Coming 1/2" Diameter, Painted Gecko, Lighted Door Chime Push Button, With Solid Brass Mounting Screws, 4" x 3", Hard Wired, Maximum Voltage, 16V. |
 |
Geckos (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by R.D. Bartlett (Author), Patricia Bartlett (Author) Terrarium hobbyists will find expert advice on purchasing geckos, as well as feeding, breeding, and health care. The authors also offer detailed information on gecko physiology and geckos in their natural environment. Barron's comprehensive series of Pet Owner's Manuals advise both current and prospective owners on the care of virtually every kind of pet, including a wide variety of dog and cat breeds, hamsters and other small caged animals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and even scorpions and tarantulas. The author of each book is a specialist in his or her field, which guarantees readers solid advice and instruction that helps them know what to look for when acquiring a pet, feeding, housing, maintaining health care, and where applicable, grooming and training. All Pet Owner's... |
 |
Metal Gecko 24in Wall Decoration Assorted Each by MRC Company Multicolor bright thin metal gecko that you can hang on a wall, patio, tree, etc. The hooks for hanging are on the feet unside. Assorted colors. Buy several and have them climbing up the wall. Nice addition for a lizard collector. |
 |
Webkinz Lemon Lime Gecko Plush Stuffed Animal by Ganz Webkinz Lemon Lime Gecko Plush Stuffed Animal |
 |
Gecko Wrap - Sterling Silver Ring Size 6 by Old Glory Cute sterling ring featuring a tropical gecko. Molded design makes this a sweet ring - and in fine Sterling Silver 925 Metal Stamp! |
 |
The Goodnight Gecko by Gill McBarnet (Author) |
 |
Gecko, Large, in shades of Blue from Golden Pond by Green Tree This is a beautiful Gecko made in one of the oldest ceramic capitals in the world. The gecko has multiple shades of blue, aqua, and teal. Each of the geckos in this collection vary in shape and design and are approx. 9" long, 2" tall, and 6" wide. These are from the Golden Pond Collection by Green Tree. This product originated in Dehua, one of the fine ceramic capitals of Asia with over 3000 years of ceramic history and culture, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Combining traditional workmanship with modern firing techniques and using clay "as white as jade", Green Tree have developed these beautiful geckos as a collectable treasure. A process of eight working procedures all fired at different temperatures is how the hand painted finish on this fine collection is achieved. Each piece comes... |
 |
LEOPARD GECKOS STARTER KIT by ZOO MED LABORATORIES Includes water dish, desert white sand, Reptivite vitamins, Leopard Gecko food, reptile thermometer, care of Leopard Geckos book. |
 |
The Herpetoculture of Leopard Geckos by Philippe de Vosjoli (Author), Ron Tremper (Author), Roger Klingenberg (Author) Finally a more advanced book on the most popular pet lizard in the world. All aspects of husbandry are covered in great detail, including sexing of juveniles, genetics, breeding outcomes, and the many effects of incubation temperature. All the major color and pattern morphs are represented. Chapters are devoted to the design of naturalistic and mixed species vivaria. A special emphasis is placed on social behaviors, including the results of the infamous cannibalism and Huddleson experiments. Roger Klingenberg DVM, a specialist in reptile parasites, presents the most thorough coverage to date on the diseases of leopard geckos and their treatment. Illustrated with 250 color photos |
 |
TY Beanie Baby - GUS the Gecko by ty TY Beanie Baby - GUS the Gecko |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |