Woodpecker

HARD-HEADED HAMMERER

Woodpeckers repeatedly peck or “drum” trees to feed (insects and larvae), assert themselves, defend their territory and engage in courtship. As they rapidly strike their bill against trees in jack hammer-like fashion, their skull sustains a great many shocks.

How are woodpeckers able to withstand shocks that would normally cause injury and brain damage?Through a natural system of cushions or shock absorbers! This system includes various adaptations which, together, help absorb shocks: a very hard beak, an elastic muscle around the head and a spongy bone around a very hard skull.

Researchers used the woodpecker’s protective mechanism as inspiration to invent a new type of shock absorber, comprising four layers of material that play the same roles as the woodpecker’s bones and muscles. Researchers noticed that this system was very effective for absorbing shocks, for example, to protect an aircraft’s sensitive electronic instruments. Eventually, they think this system could be applied to vehicles.

For more information on the animal:
Woodpeckers, hammer without headaches

For more information on the technology:
Woodpecker's head inspires shock absorbers