Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekin Tilic, Josefin Stiller, Ernesto Campos, Fredrik Pleijel, Greg W. Rouse
Summary: Aciculata (Eunicida + Phyllodocida) is one of the largest clades of annelids, but most phylogenomic studies on Annelida have had limited sampling of this group, with the phylogenetic placement of many clades within Phyllodocida remaining unclear. This study conducted a large-scale phylogenomic analysis to resolve relationships within Aciculata, allowing for the naming and placement of some problematic clades. The research also explores how conflicting, yet highly supported topologies can result from confounding signals in gene trees.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Fredrick J. Larabee, Josh C. Gibson, Michael D. Rivera, Philip S. L. Anderson, Andrew Suarez
Summary: The study found that the LaMSA system can mitigate the effects of muscle fatigue on mandible performance in ants, but muscle fatigue still plays a role during the spring loading phase. In contrast, ants with directly actuated mandibles showed a decline in bite force over time. These results have implications for designing systems that minimize the impact of fatigue on performance in spring and motor actuated systems.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Zixin Wang, Yuping Zhan, Yunqiang Yang, Jianing Wu
Summary: The trap-jaw ant Odontomachus monticola uses its hollow mandibles to achieve a balance between powerful clamping and impact resistance. Experimental and theoretical investigations show that the hollowness ratio of the mandible plays a crucial role in this trade-off. The hollow mandibles allow for higher angular acceleration and clamping force, but collision poses a challenge to their structural strength.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Alexus S. Roberts-Hugghis, Edward D. Burress, Brian Lam, Peter C. Wainwright
Summary: This manuscript presents a detailed phylogenetic analysis of the decoupling hypothesis related to the specialized pharyngeal jaw system in cichlid fishes. The results contradict the hypothesis and suggest a re-evaluation of the extent and cause of morphological diversity in cichlid fishes is urgently needed.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shicai Zhao, Xiaoming Yin, Deyuan Zhang
Summary: The majority of living organisms have developed impressive impact-resistant and damage-tolerant structures. Trap-jaw ants, with their rapid mandible strikes, showcase a sinusoidal helicoidal architecture that enhances their impact resistance. A bionic laminate inspired by this structure effectively limits damage propagation and improves residual strength.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Alexander Tzetlin, Elena Vortsepneva, Anna Zhadan
Summary: Research has shown that representatives of the extant family Oenonidae have jaw structures similar to those of fossils from the Paleozoic era. The study examined the fine structure and functional morphology of the jaw apparatus and ventral pharyngeal organ in one species of Oenonidae. Three-dimensional reconstruction revealed that the jaw apparatus of this species is more similar to that of the Dorvilleidae family.
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shicai Zhao, Deyuan Zhang, Yupu Yan, Xiaoming Yin
Summary: The mandibles of Odontomachus monticola, a species of trap-jaw ants, possess a fibrous helicoidal structure that enables them to achieve rapid and impact-resistant strikes. This structure provides increased strength and better protection against damage.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Peng Xu, Yikun Ni, Shan Lu, Sijian Liu, Xue Zhou, Yubo Fan
Summary: Woodpeckers can withstand fierce impacts during pecking without brain injury. This study found that the jaw apparatus acts as a cushion during pecking, reducing the impact load on the skull and brain, which could provide new inspirations for the development of brain protection devices.
COMPUTER METHODS IN BIOMECHANICS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Joana Zanol, Luis E. Carrera-Parra, Tatiana Menchini Steiner, Antonia Cecilia Z. Amaral, Helena Wiklund, Ascensao Ravara, Nataliya Budaeva
Summary: This study analyzes the current knowledge on Eunicida systematics, morphology, feeding, life history, habitat, ecology, distribution, diversity, and exploitation. Eunicida is an order of Errantia annelids with a diverse history dating back to the late Cambrian. The group exhibits heterogeneous species richness, with a majority belonging to the Eunicidae + Onuphidae clade. They inhabit various marine habitats and some freshwater species are exclusively commensal/parasite of crustaceans. The exploration of new habitats has led to the discovery of new species, and further research incorporating molecular data and biological traits is essential for a comprehensive understanding of Eunicida diversity.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Sabrina Kuhl, Thomas Bartolomaeus, Patrick Beckers
Summary: Eunicida is a taxon of marine annelids comprising several subfamilies. They have sophisticated nervous systems but vary in the number and shape of their prostomial sensory organs. Studies have shown that the specificities of these sensory organs affect the microanatomy of the brain and support the phylogenetic relationships of Eunicida.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orli Snir, Hanan Alwaseem, Soren Heissel, Anurag Sharma, Stephany Valdes-Rodriguez, Thomas S. Carroll, Caroline S. Jiang, Jacopo Razzauti, Daniel J. C. Kronauer
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of ant pupae secretion in eliciting parental care and providing nutrition for early larvae. The secretion, analogous to mammalian milk, is essential for pupal survival and has implications for the evolution of ant eusociality.
Article
Zoology
Nalita Maria Scamparle Teodoro, Tatiana Menchini Steiner, Antonia Cecilia Zacagnini Amaral
Summary: Lumbrineriopsis dulcis sp. nov. is described from Brazil for the first time, filling in the knowledge gap on the family Lumbrineridae. The new species differs from other congeneric species in its jaw-apparatus morphology. The record of this species is significant due to the environmental damage caused by the rupture of the Samarco mining company dam and the presence of important environmental conservation units in the area.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Wang, Hongbin Zou, Juan Lai, Ze Zhang, Wei Sun
Summary: The study revealed that miR-282-5p coordinates the regulation of chitinase 5 in the moulting process of silkworms, and the 20E signaling pathway plays a crucial role in normal moulting.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Songryong Li, Cholman Kim, Shaozhi Zong, Yuqing Liu, Jongguk Kang, Cholmin Pak, Zhijian Cao, Yingliang Wu
Summary: During the moulting process of scorpions, the digestive glands play a crucial role in synthesizing fluorescent substances, which contribute to the rapid recovery of the fluorescent exoskeleton. This special synthesis and transport strategy ensures the formation of an integrated fluorescent exoskeleton within 24 hours after ecdysis.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Catia Goncalves, Antonio P. Alves de Matos, Pedro M. Costa
Summary: Polychaeta are highly diversified invertebrates that possess unique jaw apparatus, revealing defense and predation mechanisms as well as their relation to environmental chemistry. This study compared the structure and chemical profile of the jaws from different estuarine Polychaeta species, revealing differences in structure and chemistry that are related to their feeding habits and environmental adaptations.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)