Effects of particle size and thickness of quartz sand on the webbed foot kinematics of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).

ABSTRACT: The webbed foot structure of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) exhibits effective anti-subsidence properties when walking on soft ground. To investigate the effects of quartz sand particle size and thickness on joint angles and the movement patterns of webbed feet, we created a testing substrate with quartz sand and utilized high-speed cameras and kinematic analysis tools for data acquisition. Mallards mainly adjusted the tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint (TMTPJ) during touch-down and lift-off stages in response to increasing particle size or enhanced ground roughness. Conversely, adjustments to the intertarsal joint (ITJ) predominantly took place during mid-stance. Conversely, mallards predominantly adjusted the ITJ during touch-down and lift-off when coping with increased quartz sand thickness

SUBMITTER: Han D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10655869 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature