Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS15 Biomechanics: Making the Connection Between Physics and Biology at the Organismal Level (Disciplinary Connections)

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2001, Time: 2:30:00 PM

Location: Mesilla

Loudon, C, , University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA, loudon@ukans.edu

Botz, J, T, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA, jbotz@ukans.edu

DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF DISSIPATION OF CAPILLARY WAVES GENERATED BY WATER STRIDERS

Capillary waves are generated at air:water interfaces by the small movements of organisms at the water surface. These waves could hypothetically alert potential predators to the presence of the animals causing these mechanical disturbances. In addition, capillary waves are known to be used in intraspecific communication such as between water striders (Insecta: Gerridae). The rate of dissipation of these waves (the rate at which the water surface returns to an undisturbed state) will affect the temporal and spatial range over which these stimuli can be perceived. Using a novel technique (analyzing the displacement of laser lines reflected on an opaque liquid), the rate of dissipation of waves generated by water striders was quantified.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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