HUBER, D.R.; MOTTA, P.J.; University of South Florida; University of South Florida: Bite Force and Cranial Design of a Hard Prey Specialist, the Horn Shark Heterodontus francisci

The application of engineering techniques to biological systems has often revealed the influence of structural principles in organismal design. Through mechanical analysis of the forces generated by the cranial musculature of the horn shark Heterodontus francisci during prey capture and the manner in which these forces are utilized in the environment, function is ascribed to the various architectural attributes of the head of this shark, which utilizes a combination of inertial suction and crushing behaviors while feeding. Having determined the maximum bite force H. francisci is theoretically capable of (302 N) and the three-dimensional loading regime occurring along the jaws and their articulations with the cranium, the mechanical design of H. francisci�s feeding mechanism is discussed with respect to its trophic ecology. Through the first ever high-precision measurements of bite force in free-swimming sharks acquired using a customized single-point load cell, the influence of behavior as a mediator between morphology and performance is discussed as well.