Please help point artist to unique animal functions

[Mixotrich]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone might be able to help me identify some animals that have evolved unique traits, that is to say, traits, or perhaps more specifically, functions or behaviour, that as far as anyone knows haven't emerged elsewhere as an example of convergent evolution.

It would help me greatly if the animal you might be able to think of were the subject of published studies, but not popularised in documentaries or pop science books, and in addition wasn't microscopic (though internal is fine). I realise that is probably a bit of a tall order and might be the equivalent of simply asking for cash, but, as a layman, am unable to judge quite how hopeful I'm being. So apologies if this is ridiculous, the reason I ask is that I would like to make some short films/animations, and original subjects would be very desirable. Should this idea ever result in a worthy product, I would of course credit helpers.

Thanks for reading this request.

M Lan Si

[JackBean]

1) you can't have convergent evolution, if it emerged only once...
2) what is POP science book?

[mith]

There's a type of catepillar that curls into a wheel and rolls as a form of locomotion.

Also look for sheila patek's presentation on mantis shrimp. They can cause cavitations in water.

[Mixotrich]

1) you can't have convergent evolution, if it emerged only once...
2) what is POP science book?

Sorry Jackbean, with regards to your first point, that is exactly what I meant, that sentence was rather convoluted. To your second point, pop is short for popular.

There's a type of catepillar that curls into a wheel and rolls as a form of locomotion.

Also look for sheila patek's presentation on mantis shrimp. They can cause cavitations in water.

Mith, those are wonderful pointers and exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to learn. Many thanks.

[arje06]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone might be able to help me identify some animals that have evolved unique traits, that is to say, traits, or perhaps more specifically, functions or behaviour, that as far as anyone knows haven't emerged elsewhere as an example of convergent evolution.

It would help me greatly if the animal you might be able to think of were the subject of published studies, but not popularised in documentaries or pop science books, and in addition wasn't microscopic (though internal is fine). I realise that is probably a bit of a tall order and might be the equivalent of simply asking for cash, but, as a layman, am unable to judge quite how hopeful I'm being. So apologies if this is ridiculous, the reason I ask is that I would like to make some short films/animations, and original subjects would be very desirable. Should this idea ever result in a worthy product, I would of course credit helpers.

Thanks for reading this request.

M Lan Si

Hello, I think silkworms can also belong in this topic. Like mith said about caterpillar, the silkworms also do that to move. And these animals are also useful in making fabric clothing. It can help artists to create new inventions through silkworms, what do you think?