Distinct morphological drivers of jumping and maneuvering performance in gerbils.

ABSTRACT: Theoretically, animals with longer hindlimbs are better jumpers, while those with shorter hindlimbs are better maneuverers. Yet, experimental evidence of this relationship in mammals is lacking. We compared jump force and maneuverability in a lab population of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). We hypothesized that gerbils with long legs (ankle to knee) and thighs (knee to hip) would produce the greatest jump forces, while gerbils with short legs and thighs would be able to run most rapidly around turns. Consistent with these hypotheses, gerbils with longer legs produced greater jump forces after accounting for sex and body mass: a 1 mm greater leg length provided 1 body weight unit greater jump force on average. Furthermore, gerbils with shorter thighs were more maneuverable: a 1 

SUBMITTER: Reed CG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11883271 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature