Meeting Abstract
Axolotls are ambystomoids that are closely related to the North American tiger salamander. They are a neotenic species and remain aquatic throughout their lives. Rarely, they spontaneously metamorphose and become terrestrial animals. Although metamorphosed axolotls are similar to other terrestrial ambystomoids, there are differences in form and function, which are not well-understood due the rare nature of metamorphosis. Upon casual inspection, metamorphosed axolotls seem to lack the coordination of terrestrial movement that the tiger salamanders possess. Are metamorphosed axolotls less well adapted for terrestrial locomotion? Are there developmental timing windows being missed which account for the differences in form and function? We are interested in the functional morphology that can account for these differences. Our first step has been to compare the force of metamorphosed axolotls and tiger salamanders using compressible force sensors. Specific patterns in their movement were identified and the force was measured. Work was then calculated from the force measurements. Analysis of the data shows higher force and work values for the metamorphosed axolotls, which are indicative of lower efficiency at terrestrial locomotion, compared to the tiger salamanders.
