Skeleton provides support: sponges

The spicular skeleton of sponges provides structural support in the form of dispersed struts.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Compression

Biomimetic Application Ideas

More wind-resistant tents that require fewer poles.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"In nature, the [dispersal strut] scheme is commoner but still far from widespread--the clearest example, noted in chapter 19, is the spicular skeleton of sponges, in which tiny rigid elements are laced together by collagen (fig 19.7). And there are occasional forays in this direction among sea anemones (coelenterates) and sea cucumbers (echinoderms). It ought to be reemphasized that the arrangement is not intrinsically flawed in some way; the limitation is more likely to lie in problems of compatibility with attachment surfaces for muscles." (Vogel 2003:439)

About the inspiring organism

Porifera
Porifera

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: More wind-resistant tents that require fewer poles.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Refugee camps, military, recreation

References

Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.

Skeleton provides support: sponges

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