Premium
Skull mechanics in the pigeon, Columba livia , a three‐dimensional kinematic model
Author(s) -
Van Gennip E. M. S. J.,
Berkhoudt H.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1052130206
Subject(s) - kinematics , skull , mechanism (biology) , anatomy , biology , grasp , closing (real estate) , hinge , mechanics , mathematics , physics , classical mechanics , computer science , quantum mechanics , political science , law , programming language
The mechanics of the skull of the pigeon are analyzed quantitatively, based on a three‐dimensional kinematic computer model that considers the skull as a mechanism (Goodman, '60). The degrees of freedom at each cranial joint are defined and translated into geometric relations, using the method of Elshoud ('80). The model predicts the positions of cranial elements from three input variables: the positions of the upper and lower bills and the length of the M. protractor quadrati et pterygoidei. Simulations with the model suggest the presence of a locking mechanism for the lower bill, which prevents its depression. High speed films of feeding pigeons confirmed that locking can occur at different upper bill positions. The locking mechanism may permit feeding pigeons to use the elastic energy stored in the hinge of the upper bill during the grasp, producing simultaneous fast closing of the upper and lower bills. Simulation of jaw muscle activity suggests that these jaw muscles should not be divided into “openers” and “closers.” © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.