Meeting Abstract
The field of comparative biomechanics explores how the laws of physics influence morphological variation and evolution. By basing biological inquiry on the level playing field of physics, it is possible to compare disparate organisms from different phyla based on how they overcome similar mechanical challenges. For example, a venomous snake injecting venom, a wasp using its stinger to oviposit eggs and a mantis shrimp spearing a passing fish are all performing a basic function: puncture. These examples involve different structures and behaviors, yet all must overcome the same mechanical challenge of creating fractures within the target to insert their tools. Given the commonality of mechanism, one would expect all these tools to have common morphological features necessary to maintain functional fidelity. In order to identify and assess these common morphological features, I compiled morphological data on the puncturing tools of over 100 animals and plants. The species list includes both vertebrates and invertebrates that puncture in different environments (air vs. water) and at different dynamic levels, from passive defensive spines to extreme high-speed puncture. Morphological data on the puncturing tool consists of biomechanical shape traits based on engineering theory, as well as observations from the archeological and ballistics literature. Biomechanical traits were compared amongst all groups, with special note made to comparisons between taxa with different ecologies and behaviors. Preliminary results reveal several patterns such as the aspect ratio of the tools being size-limited, while cross-sectional shape varies between aquatic and terrestrial environments. These results highlight common morphological patterns amongst disparate taxa based on both tool scaling and environment.
