Mechanics of the thorax in flies

Deora, Tanvi and Gundiah, Namrata and Sane, Sanjay P (2017) Mechanics of the thorax in flies. In: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, 220 (8). pp. 1382-1395.

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Abstract

Insects represent more than 60% of all multicellular life forms, and are easily among the most diverse and abundant organisms on earth. They evolved functional wings and the ability to fly, which enabled them to occupy diverse niches. Insects of the hyper-diverse orders show extreme miniaturization of their body size. The reduced body size, however, imposes steep constraints on flight ability, as their wings must flap faster to generate sufficient forces to stay aloft. Here, we discuss the various physiological and biomechanical adaptations of the thorax in flies which enabled them to overcome the myriad constraints of small body size, while ensuring very precise control of their wing motion. One such adaptation is the evolution of specialized myogenic or asynchronous muscles that power the high-frequency wing motion, in combination with neurogenic or synchronous steering muscles that control higher-order wing kinematic patterns. Additionally, passive cuticular linkages within the thorax coordinate fast and yet precise bilateral wing movement, in combination with an actively controlled clutch and gear system that enables flexible flight patterns. Thus, the study of thoracic biomechanics, along with the underlying sensory-motor processing, is central in understanding how the insect body form is adapted for flight.

Item Type:	Editorials/Short Communications
Publication:	JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
Additional Information:	Copy right for this article belongs to the COMPANY OF BIOLOGISTS LTD, BIDDER BUILDING CAMBRIDGE COMMERCIAL PARK COWLEY RD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 4DL, CAMBS, ENGLAND
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	25 May 2017 10:06
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2018 14:17
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/57064

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