Work

An Electrophysiological Investigation of Power-Amplification in the Ballistic Mantis Shrimp Punch

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: ). Students learn to handle the animals, make and implant electromyogram (EMG) probes, and finally perform experiments. This integrative approach introduces the concept of power-amplified neuromuscular control; allows students to develop scientific methods, and conveys high-level insights into behavior, and convergent evolution, the process by which different species evolve similar traits. Our power-amplification laboratory exercise involves a non-terminal preparation which allows electrophysiological recordings across multiple days from arthropods using a low-cost EMG amplifier. Students learn the principles of electrophysiology by fabricating their own electrode system and performing implant surgeries. Students then present behaviorally-relevant stimuli that generate attack strikes in the animals during the electrophysiology experiments to get insight into the underlying mechanisms of power amplification. Analyses of the EMG data (spike train burst duration, firing rate, and spike amplitude) allow students to compare mantis shrimp with other power-amplifying species, as well as a non-power-amplifying one. The major learning goal of this exercise is to empower students by providing an experience to develop their own setup to examine a complex biological principle. By contrasting power-amplifiers with non-power-amplifiers, these analyses highlight the peculiarity of power amplification at multiple levels of analysis, from behavior to physiology. Our comparative design requires students to consider the behavioral function of the movement in different species alongside the neuromuscular underpinnings of each movement. This laboratory exercise allows students to develop methodology, problem-solving and inquisitive skills crucial for pursuing science.

Source: PubMed

DOI: 10.13140/rg.2.2.28559.64160

Authors: Pollak, Daniel J, Feller, Kathryn D, Étienne Serbe, Mircic, Stanislav, Gage, Gregory J

Institutions: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Backyard Brains (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Undergraduate Neuroscience Education and Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health

Award: Backyard Brains: Bringing Neurophysiology Into Secondary Schools