Cool your jets: biological jet propulsion in marine invertebrates

ABSTRACT Pulsatile jet propulsion is a common swimming mode used by diverse array of aquatic taxa from chordates to cnidarians. This locomotion has interested both biologists and engineers for over century. A central issue understanding the important features jet-propelling animals determine how animal interacts with surrounding fluid. Much our knowledge come simple theoretical approximations propulsive resistive forces. Although these models basic kinematic measurements have contributed greatly, they alone cannot provide detailed information needed comprehensive, mechanistic overview functions across multiple taxa, size scales through development. However, more recently, novel experimental tools such as high-speed 2D 3D particle image velocimetry permitted quantification fluid dynamics propulsion. Here, we comparative analysis variety parameters efficiency, kinematics parameters, review can aid principles Research on disparate allows comparison similarities differences between them contributes robust