Meeting Abstract

14.6  Thursday, Jan. 3  Mechanics of Subterranean and Epigean Locomotion in the Domestic Ferret Mustela putorius furo HORNER, AM*; BIKNEVICIUS, AR; Ohio University Dept of Biological Sciences; Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine ah312505@ohio.edu

Small mammals commonly utilize burrows for sanctuary as well as predation. While the biodynamics of digging has received considerable attention, how mammals move through the constrained environment of tunnels is largely unexplored. In the present study, we used a mammal morphologically adapted for semi-fossioriality, Mustela putorius furo (Carnivora: Mustelidae), to evaluate the effect of constrained environments on locomotor biodynamics. We simulated burrow-like conditions in the laboratory using plexiglass tunnels overlying a trackway into which a force platform was integrated. We compared external mechanical energy profiles and kinematic gaits of domestic ferrets for epigean (overground) and subterranean (tunnel) locomotion to evaluate the effect of a constrained environment on locomotor biodynamics. Mechanical energy profiles demonstrated predominantly running mechanics for both under and above ground trials, with only five trials showing pendular recovery typical of walking mechanics. Ferrets and other small mammals likely do not recover meaningful amounts of energy from pendular mechanics due to their shorter, more compliant limbs. In addition to providing baseline data on locomotion in tunnels, our study may provide some insight into the evolution of the short-limbed and slender morphotype typical of mustelines, as well as revealing a greater locomotor repertoire than has previously been recorded for the group.