Fascinating Mantid Video

[tankertoad]

I'm not sure if this has been circulated around the stomatopod community, but I found this very interesting presentation by a Berkeley Biologist discussing the speed and power of the mantis shrimp. She's funny and engaging and combines the physiology, mechanics, and physics of the smashers.

Enjoy.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/77

 

[yankeereefer]

She's one of Dr. Roy's compadre's or staff.

I believe this is an older video and some of the theory has changed over time.

 

[Pea-brain]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11722988#post11722988 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yankeereefer
She's one of Dr. Roy's compadre's or staff.

I believe this is an older video and some of the theory has changed over time.

The meral saddle is now thought to cushion the blows for the mantis, instead of actually generating the force.

Dan

 

[quiksilver]

That is one of the most fascinating things I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing. Now we need the same kind of video and lecture on spearers.

 

[Timmy]

The meral saddle is now thought to cushion the blows for the mantis, instead of actually generating the force.

I think the saddle is both. A spring and a damper. The spring is necessary to create that incredible speed. Only with muscle contraction it is not possible.
The damper is indispensable to protect the weapon. Without the dactlyus will be destroyed with the first kick.

 

[Pea-brain]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11886225#post11886225 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Timmy
I think the saddle is both. A spring and a damper. The spring is necessary to create that incredible speed. Only with muscle contraction it is not possible.
The damper is indispensable to protect the weapon. Without the dactlyus will be destroyed with the first kick.

The meral saddle however, is not believed to be the cause of the force generated. I can't say what is, but the meral saddle probably isn't it according to a post Dr. Roy made a while ago.

Dan

 

[justinl]

yeah i remember Dr. Roy mentioning this as well. He wasn't completely sure what actually generates the force, or if he did, he didnt want to say as the info was unpublished at the time (i wonder if it is now).