Jaws shear flesh: alligator snapping turtle

1 of 1 Alligator snapping turtle mouth / Benny Mazur / License

The powerful jaws of the alligator snapping turtle are effective at tearing flesh because they are covered in a sharp-edged horny beak.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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	Biotic materials

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Cutting machinery that requires less energy input, demolition work that uses shearing equipment that mimics the turtle jaw.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"An alligator snapping turtle lies in wait for a passing fish, well camouflaged against the muddy river bed. Like all turtles and tortoises, it has no teeth, but its jaws are covered in a sharp-edged horny beak suitable for shearing flesh. On the floor of its mouth is a fleshy pink worm-like lure, which the turtle waggles to attract fish. Eager to seize the 'worm', a fish may swim right in the turtle's gaping mouth." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:142)

About the inspiring organism

Macroclemys temminckii
Macroclemys temminckii GRAY 1856

Some organism data provided by: TIGR Reptile Database
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Cutting machinery that requires less energy input, demolition work that uses shearing equipment that mimics the turtle jaw.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, demolition

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Jaws shear flesh: alligator snapping turtle

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