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TEACHING IN THE LABORATORY

The locust jump: an integrated laboratory investigation

School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: J. Scott, School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK (E-mail: js50{at}le.ac.uk)

The locust is well known for its ability to jump large distances to avoid predation. This class sets out a series of investigations into the mechanisms underlying the jump enabling students to bring together information from biomechanics, muscle physiology, and anatomy. The nature of the investigation allows it to be undertaken at a number of levels of complexity from relatively simple comparative observations to detailed analysis of the properties of the muscles and the energy storage systems involved in powering the jump. The relative size and robustness of the locust make it simple to handle and ideal for such investigations.

Key words: integrative laboratory class; biomechanics; muscle physiology; jumping mechanisms