Xiang Wang

Graduation Semester and Year

2020

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Luo Cheng

Abstract

Planktonic crustaceans of the genus Daphnia live in aquatic environments. Although they are lack of walking and flying capabilities, they have developed adaptations that facilitate the dispersal of their dormant forms, ephippia to cross terrestrial barriers and reach neighborhood waterbodies. It increases the survival rate of their species. A possible way for this spread to occur is the transport of their ephippia through waterfowls’ legs. Yet, little is known about the key role of the legs in the dispersal and the main mechanisms. The ephippia first get attached to the waterfowls’ legs. The waterfowls may then carry these ephippia to new locations, followed by the release of them over there. In this work, by referring the ways of mallards’ flight, and using the legs of American Pekin ducks, as well as four Al cylinders and one Al plate, as testing samples, we explored the feasibility of this ephippium transport process. Specific laboratory experiments were carried on to validate the feasibility.

Keywords

Daphnia, Ephippium, Waterfowls, External dispersal

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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