Research Yuri Simone

Abstract

Musculoskeletal systems are shaped by trade-offs, where the optimisation of one function comes at the cost of others. Using the scorpion pincer (chela) as a model for a musculoskeletal system subjected to a force-velocity trade-off, I will explore how muscle shape and contraction dynamics influence performance optima and the evolution of the disparity in musculoskeletal systems. Using in-vivo performance measurements, imaging techniques, phylogenetic comparative analysis and geometric morphometrics, the project will go beyond the traditional studies of morphological evolution solely based on skeletal elements. The effect of muscle architecture on the patterns of morphological integration, modularity and the evolutionary rates of morphological diversification will be estimated comparing models built on the skeletal elements with those including muscle architecture parameters. This project will also study how species evolve toward distinct force or velocity performance optima. Biomechanical modelling of chela performance will highlight how the physiological limits in the muscle contractile properties led to different evolutionary trajectories along scorpion phylogeny. This innovative approach to studying musculoskeletal evolution highlights the critical, yet often overlooked role of muscles as modulators of morphological diversification.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Wassenbergh Sam
• Co-promoter: Van Damme Raoul
• Fellow: Simone Yuri

Research team(s)

• Functional Morphology

Project type(s)

• Research Project