Together and toothy.
Photo by Tim Jackson.
July 26, 2006
Living Tools
Biologists spend a great deal of time thinking about the design of body parts. Why? Because the structure of a body part contains clues about its function, which is important in the study of living things. The mole rats in the photo (above) have chisel-shaped teeth. Such teeth are perfect for digging tunnels as well as eating tough tubers and roots. For more about mole rats, see "Naked and Not."
The narwhal in this photo is showing off its tusk. It's a long tooth containing nerves that may help the narwhal detect prey underwater. For more about narwhals and their remarkable tusks, see "A Whale's Amazing Tooth" and "That's One Weird Tooth."
Science fiction writers pay attention to the function and structure of body parts as well. Think about your hand and all it can do. An interesting alien might have a hand too, but what kind?
Challenge: Hand Tool
- Imagine that you want to design an alien that looks almost like you, but has some very different features. You decide to give it unusual hands that have special abilities. Like a biologist, you're going to consider structure and function at the same time.
- Look at the tools shown above. Think about what they can be used to do. For example, which ones could you use to cut something? To hold something? To turn an object around? If there are any tools you don't recognize, ask a family member or friend.
- Pick one or more of these tools and use them to help you design a new alien hand. You can change the size of any tool, but it should have a similar shape and function.
If you wish, send a drawing of your alien hand to us at scifizone@snkids.com. If we use yours, you may be eligible to win a prize! Please include your first name, age, city or town, and state. If you are under 13 years old, get your parent's permission to write to us.
This week's recommended scifi books
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