A fin is a thin component or appendage attached to a larger body or structure. Its primary functions include producing lift or thrust, steering, and stabilizing motion in fluids such as water or air. Additionally, fins can increase surface areas to enhance heat transfer or serve as decorative elements.
2000: Research on hydrodynamic effect of finlets
In 2000, research by Nauen and Lauder indicated that finlets in scombrid fishes have a hydrodynamic effect on local flow during steady swimming, potentially increasing thrust produced by the tail of swimming mackerel.
2001: Further research on finlets
In 2001, Nauen and Lauder continued their research, showing that the most posterior finlet is oriented to redirect flow into the developing tail vortex, which may increase thrust produced by the tail of swimming mackerel.
2004: Prototype of biomechatronic robotic fish
In 2004, Hugh Herr at MIT prototyped a biomechatronic robotic fish by transplanting muscles from frog legs to the robot and making it swim by pulsing muscle fibers with electricity.
2005: Display of robotic fish
In 2005, the Sea Life London Aquarium displayed three robotic fish created by the University of Essex. These autonomous robotic fish were designed to swim around and avoid obstacles like real fish, combining the speed of tuna, acceleration of a pike, and the navigating skills of an eel.
2009: Genetic evidence linking gills, fins, and limbs
In 2009, University of Chicago researchers found genetic evidence suggesting that the genetic architecture of gills, fins, and limbs is the same, supporting the idea that fins may have evolved from gill tissues.
2011: Evolution of pelvic fin muscles
In 2011, researchers at Monash University and the University of Chicago used lungfish to trace the evolution of pelvic fin muscles and found characteristics of walking gaits of terrestrial tetrapods in bottom-walking lungfishes.
2011: Three-dimensional views of wake structures
In 2011, researchers used volumetric imaging techniques to generate the first instantaneous three-dimensional views of wake structures produced by freely swimming fishes. They found that continuous tail beats resulted in a linked chain of vortex rings.