Woodpecker beaks divulge shock-absorbing properties
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/woodpecker-beaks-divulge-shock-absorbing-properties?mode=topic&context=76
Scientists have recently discovered how woodpeckers are able to pound on wood without damaging their brains. These birds can strike a tree 100-300 times a minute, and experience a force about one thousand times greater than the pull of gravity. The birds have many small thin scales on their beaks, which dissipate the energy. This allows them to peck at such fast speeds, without smashing their brains.
NOS themes.
Science is based on evidence- the scientists observed woodpeckers, and saw the small scales on their beaks.
Science is collaborative- more than just one person worked on this study.
Great article. I've looked at this into depth and found that the outside layer of the beak of a woodpecker consists of tiny scales of keratin. The woodpecker’s scales are much more thin and elongated. The woodpeckers contain much more scales than other animals.The innermost layer of their beak, the bone, is more porous than beak bones of other animals. That extra porosity helps create the difference in beak layers that guides the shockwave toward a safe path through the head
ReplyDeleteReally cool article. One thing that I noticed was that designs for shock absorbers have actually been inspired by the structure of the woodpeckers' heads. It is really interesting that despite the advantage humans have over most animals, we often look to them for ideas and inspiration. It makes you think about just how well developed all life on Earth really is.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered how woodpeckers could peck holes in trees without getting major headaches. Its a really fascinating adaption they have! I found another article about this topic and it goes into great detail about a few adaptations woodpeckers have to save their brains and eyes from the intensive pounding they do every day.
ReplyDeletehttp://mentalfloss.com/article/30731/why-dont-woodpeckers-get-brain-damage