See You Later Alligator: Forelimb and Wrist of Alligators Walking the Treadmill

Erin Trammell ’23 Major: Biology Inthavha Singharaj ’23 Major: Biology Sasha Rudich ’23 Major: Biology Minor: Women and Gender Studies Facutly Mentor: Dr. Daivd Baier, Biology We used XROMM, which combines biplanar X-ray video and digital bone models, to measure how the alligator skeleton moves during high walks on a treadmill. The crocodilian high walk and wrist structure are unique compared to other reptiles who walk with a sprawled limb posture. Here, we describe how bones of the forearm, wrist, and hand coordinate during alligator strides. We find that elbow is more than just a simple hinge, the forearm bones slide relative to one another, and the elongated carpals are involved in a unique type of wrist motion