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Selected References |
Curriculum Vitae |
Lab Home Page
Synopsis
William Kier is interested in the comparative biomechanics of marine
invertebrates. He is especially interested in the functional morphology of musculoskeletal
systems, in the structure, function, development and evolution of muscle, and in invertebrate
zoology, with particular emphasis on the biology of cephalopod molluscs (octopus and squid).
His research is conducted at a variety of levels and integrates the range from the behavior of
the entire animal to the ultrastructure and biochemistry of its tissues. A variety of techniques
are used including normal and high-speed video, histological and histochemical methods,
light and transmission
electron microscopy, electromyography, muscle mechanics, biochemistry and
molecular techniques. His research concerns
the role of the musculature of cephalopods (squid, octopus, nautilus) in both creating movement
and providing skeletal support. The principles derived from this analysis have been applied to
other structures such as the tongues of mammals and lizards and the trunk of the elephant. More
recently, these insights have been used in collaboration with engineers and biologists in the design
and construction of novel robotic mechanisms. He is also investigating the mechanisms of the
evolution of muscle specialization, especially the evolution of fast contraction in the muscle
of cephalopods. Please visit the Kier Lab home page for more information on these topics.
Prospective Graduate Students: Applications for graduate study should be submitted directly to the
Department of Biology, rather than to the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP).
Information on applying to the Department of Biology graduate program in Evolution, Ecology and
Organismal Biology is available here.
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Photograph of histological cross-section of the tentacle of Loligo pealei.
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Photographs of selected frames from a high-speed movie of the capture of prey with the
tentacles by Loligo pealei. The elapsed time from the start of the sequence is indicated.
Click HERE to see excerpts from the movie. The film was made at 750
frames per second, and thus the movement is slowed down by a factor of 30. (MPEG viewer - 1.8 MB)
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