Differences in Bending Strength and Limb Bone Structure Across Locomotory Behavior in Small Mammals
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jacqueline Connour
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 10:50 AM
Abstract
This project explores differences in humoral and femoral properties among flying, gliding, and non-gliding mammals. Methods include measurements extracted from X-rays, which were used to calculate strength-related properties. Bone lengths were also recorded. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and two-tailed t-tests comparing the four locomotory groups: colugo gliders, bats, squirrels, and gliding squirrels. Primary humeral results indicate the relative thickness of the midshaft bone is greater in bats than in non-gliding squirrels. Colugo and bat humeri are longer than those of both squirrel groups. Bending strength about the transverse axis is greater in colugos and bats than in non-gliding squirrels, and gliding squirrels are intermediate compared to the other groups. Primary femoral results show no differences in the relative thickness of the midshaft bone. There are differences in relative femoral length among all groups, with bats having the longest femora and non-gliding squirrels having the shortest femora. Bending strength about the transverse axis is greatest in colugos. Colugos and gliding squirrels are both greater than bats and non-gliding squirrels. The differences exhibited can be explained by their respective locomotory behaviors.
Keywords: flying, gliding, humerus, femur, functional adaptation, skeletal structures
Recommended Citation
Hindman, Julianne C., "Differences in Bending Strength and Limb Bone Structure Across Locomotory Behavior in Small Mammals" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 18.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/18
Open Access
Available to all.
Differences in Bending Strength and Limb Bone Structure Across Locomotory Behavior in Small Mammals
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
This project explores differences in humoral and femoral properties among flying, gliding, and non-gliding mammals. Methods include measurements extracted from X-rays, which were used to calculate strength-related properties. Bone lengths were also recorded. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and two-tailed t-tests comparing the four locomotory groups: colugo gliders, bats, squirrels, and gliding squirrels. Primary humeral results indicate the relative thickness of the midshaft bone is greater in bats than in non-gliding squirrels. Colugo and bat humeri are longer than those of both squirrel groups. Bending strength about the transverse axis is greater in colugos and bats than in non-gliding squirrels, and gliding squirrels are intermediate compared to the other groups. Primary femoral results show no differences in the relative thickness of the midshaft bone. There are differences in relative femoral length among all groups, with bats having the longest femora and non-gliding squirrels having the shortest femora. Bending strength about the transverse axis is greatest in colugos. Colugos and gliding squirrels are both greater than bats and non-gliding squirrels. The differences exhibited can be explained by their respective locomotory behaviors.
Keywords: flying, gliding, humerus, femur, functional adaptation, skeletal structures