Path followed:
1. Is the fault in the components that perform any physical action?
Answer: Yes
2. Is the fault in components that move?
Answer: Yes
3. Is the fault in components that make the mechanism move?
Answer: Yes
4. Is the faulty component designed to move the mechanism around?
Answer: Yes
5. Is the faulty component needed for stability?
Answer: Yes
6. Does the faulty component manipulate smaller objects?
Answer: No
7. Are there any external resources that can be used by the mechanism?
Answer: Yes
77) Atlantic sand fiddler, Uca pugilator
Atlantic sand fiddlers can be found from Cape Cod to Texas, except not in Florida or St. Augustine (Patterson). They have one abnormally large pincer compared to the other smaller walking legs. Atlantic sand fiddlers have the unique ability of regenerating their legs after autonomy or forced removal.
Fiddler crabs are able to regenerate a lost limb during the intermolt cycle. Due to the fact that this is a crustacean it has a designated spot on the leg in which the leg is released and ensures the regeneration of another leg. For the crab to produce another leg it must go through a basal growth phase and a proecdysial growth phase. The basal growth phase begins after the limb is lost and first produces an autonomy membrane (AM) (Hopkins). The distal portion of the AM protrudes outward to seal the wound, while the proximal portion attaches to the sheath of the severed nerve (Hopkins). Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are produced to develop the blastema and direct the cells that are undifferentiated to re-differentiate into the needed muscles, tissues, and nerves of the leg (Hopkins). During the proecdysial phase the limb undergoes hypertrophic growth of the myotubules to allow for protein synthesis and water uptake (Hopkins). The intake of water and synthesis of protein allows the limb to fully develop and grow in size until it has reached its maximum size.
Patterson, Chris. “Uca Pugilator (Atlantic Sand Fiddler).” Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan, 10 Dec. 2001. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Uca_pugilator/
Hopkins, Penny M. “Limb Regeneration in the Fiddler Crab, Uca Pugilator: Hormonal and Growth Factor Control.” American Zoology 41.3 (2001): 389-98. Integrative & Comparative Biology. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
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