Seahorse tail is bizarre and may help in robotics studies

Most animals that have a tail have this tail with a cylindrical structure; dogs, cats, mice, geckos and iguanas are examples of this. However, nature can be surprising, and creatures like the seahorse call attention for breaking the rules and having a square rear end.

This unusual feature of the Hippocampus led scientists at Clemson University to investigate the reason for such a peculiar tail shape. The research, published this week in the journal Science, shows numerous advantages of this feature.

3D model

Using a replica produced on 3D printers of a seahorse's tail compared to a standard cylindrical model, the researchers realized that the square tail was much harder to crush.

This gives this species of marine animal a very large advantage to survive, as a mere bite of a predator would not always be able to kill or trap it.

In addition, this appendix makes it easier to grasp marine plants because of the flat surface that is less slippery. Another advantage of it is the way the joints work, providing much more flexibility compared to the cylindrical ones.

applications

Scientists involved in the project hope the discovery will lead to breakthroughs in fields such as robotics and biomedicine or in personal defense and rescue equipment by creating stronger and more malleable components.

Doctor Octopus would surely be jealous of such practical extensions.