Woodpecker skulls act like massive hammers when pecked. That’s according to a new study, in which an international team of scientists claims to refute the previous assumption that woodpecker skulls act like shock-absorbing helmets. Until now, a spongy structure at various points in the skull was thought to dampen some of the impact.
As the University of Antwerp announced, scientists analyzed more than 100 high-speed videos of black, helmeted and great spotted woodpeckers for their study. Their calculations showed that the woodpeckers’ heads would not have a shock-absorbing effect when pecking, and that this would hinder them. “Their heads basically act like stiff, massive hammers when they peck,” said the study’s lead author, Sam Van Wassenbergh, of the University of Antwerp.
Woodpeckers hammer on the wood about 12,000 times a day, in sets of 10 to 20 strokes, each lasting just 50 milliseconds. The birds peck at a speed of six to seven meters per second. With each beak impact, the woodpecker’s head is decelerated at about 1000 times the acceleration due to gravity. Despite this, the animals do not suffer brain damage.
Bumps don’t damage the brains of birds
But doesn’t it damage the brains of woodpeckers when they smash trees with great force with their beaks? The research team found no danger to the woodpeckers’ brains. According to Van Wassenbergh, even the strongest of the shocks analyzed put less strain on the brains of woodpeckers than in people with concussions.
According to the researchers, the results of their study may also explain why there are no woodpeckers with significantly larger head and neck muscles. While they could peck more vigorously, they would likely suffer more from concussions.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
