Meeting Abstract 33.4  Monday, Jan. 5  Estimation of information transfer rates in highly precise sensory afferents FOX, Jessica L.*; DANIEL, Thomas L.; University of Washington; University of Washington jessfox@u.washington.edu To coordinate their motion, animals rely on sensory systems to acquire, process, and transmit necessary information from the environment. Dipteran insects use specialized structures known as halteres to […]

Meeting Abstract 33.1  Tuesday, Jan. 5  The structure-function relationship in bone microstructure: An experimental study in Helmeted GuineaFowl (Numida meleagris) DE BOEF, M.**; BIEWENER, A. A.; Concord Field Station, Harvard University; Concord Field Station, Harvard University maria.deboef@gmail.com It has been well established that bone macrostructural morphology is strongly influenced by bone function. This relationship is evident not […]

Meeting Abstract 33.2  Tuesday, Jan. 5  The intersection of experiment and theory: using cutting tests and FEA models to understand how teeth fracture food ANDERSON, Philip S. L.*; RAYFIELD, Emily J.; Univ. of Bristol; Univ. of Bristol Phil.Anderson@bristol.ac.uk Material properties of food items can exert a strong influence on tooth morphology. Previous experimental studies have shown that […]

Meeting Abstract 33.5  Tuesday, Jan. 5  MICROANATOMY OF THE MANDIBULAR SYMPHYSIS IN LIZARDS HOLLIDAY, CM*; GARDNER, N; DOUTHITT, M; PAESANI, S; RATLIFF, J; University of Missouri; Marshall University; Marshall University; Marshall University; Biomimetics Inc hollidayca@missouri.edu Although the mandibular symphysis is a functionally and evolutionarily important feature of the vertebrate skull, little is known about the soft-tissue morphology […]

Meeting Abstract 33.3  Tuesday, Jan. 5  How accurately does finite element analysis reproduce strain in the ostrich mandible during simulated pecking behavior? RAYFIELD, EJ; University of Bristol e.rayfield@bristol.ac.uk Using finite element analysis (FEA) to model the musculoskeletal behavior of animals poses particular challenges, such as determining appropriate elastic properties, loading conditions, and capturing relevant geometry. In order […]

Meeting Abstract 33.2  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Variation in coyote skull morphology, biomechanics, and feeding behavior due to early bone processing opportunities LA CROIX, S.*; ZELDITCH, M.L.; SHIVIK, J.A.; LUNDRIGAN, B.L.; HOLEKAMP, K.E.; Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing; Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor; USDA/WS/National Wildlife Research Center and Utah State Univ., Logan; Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing; Michigan […]

Meeting Abstract 33.5  Wednesday, Jan. 5  The ontogeny of dental form and tooth pressures in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) GIGNAC, P. M.*; ERICKSON, G. M.; Stony Brook University; Florida State University paul.gignac@stonybrook.edu In addition to its size, the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, utilizes absolutely high bite forces to capture and subjugate increasingly durable prey throughout development. […]

Meeting Abstract 33.4  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Root Surface Area in Relation to Diet in Rodents: A CT Method for Evaluating Tooth Surface Area SELF, CJ*; PAYNE, AA; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Washington, Seattle cjself@uw.edu Occlusal force produced during chewing is transmitted to alveolar bone via the tooth roots and the periodontal ligament. As the tooth […]

Meeting Abstract 33.3  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Functional correlates of tooth structure in bats SANTANA, S.E.*; DUMONT, E.R.; UMass Amherst / UCLA; UMass Amherst ssantana@bio.umass.edu The morphology and function of mammalian teeth are strongly linked to diet. Within mammals, phyllostomid bats are the most diverse group in terms of dietary ecology and thus represent a unique system in […]

Meeting Abstract 33.1  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Feeding mechanics in billfishes (Xiphiidae and Istiophoridae): inferring the use of the bill from its mechanical properties HABEGGER, Maria Laura*; MOTTA, Philip J; MULLINS, Gray; STOKES, Michael; WINTERS, Daniel; University of South Florida mhabegge@mail.usf.edu Billfish are perciform fishes characterized for the presence of an elongated rostrum or “bill” composed mostly of […]