The main goal of this dissertation is to investigate the biomechanics of octopedal and quadrupedal locomotion in terrestrial animals, common determinants, advantages and limits, in particular of the asymmetric gaits. Two different approach have been chosen: i) a kinematic study of a terrestrial spider, the Brazilian giant tawny-red tarantula, an octopods predator species that hide in burrows, ambush and rapidly bounce the prey with a sprint, and ii) a comparative study of the two types of gallop of the cursorial terrestrial mammals. Eight-legs locomotion has been one of the first travelling modes on land, and spiders display one of the most versatile locomotor repertoire: they move at slow and fast speed, forward-backward-sideways, they climb and even jump, both on firm terrain and from the water surface. Spiders can walk in the two senses at the same speed, just by reversing their diagonal footfall scheme. They turn on the spot like an armoured tank, with opposite direction of the two treads of limbs. Also, the high number of limbs ensures an increased locomotor versatility on uneven and rough terrains, particularly in the likely unawareness of each endpoint location on the ground.

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

Комментарии