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Another problem is breaking/remaking these metal bones. Biomineral structures can be reformed - bones break mechanically, and have to be repaired. While biomine
by gilleain 9y ago
Another problem is breaking/remaking these metal bones. Biomineral structures can be reformed - bones break mechanically, and have to be repaired. While biomineralization is mentioned, I'm not sure how easy it would be to 'digest' pure metal in order to repair it.
Also, related : https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/60780/how-to-form-biological-metallic-tissue https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/60780/how-to-for...
- tootie 9y agoHe talked about that in the article. His point being that metal bones would be effectively indestructible for typical loads placed on them by organisms and if they ever received damage, they would bend instead of break.
- gilleain 9y agoOk, sure, but later on the question is : "So it seems that there are no fundamental reasons why animals could not evolve a metal skeleton" The main reason is that most multicellular organisms (especially vertebrates) go through developmental stages where they grow in size. Mineral bones can be grown like this, while metal ones probably could not.
- Momquist 9y agoHow about a change in diet only when reaching mature size (the rock eating suggested in the article)? Doesn't seem too farfetched, and I think it would allow for growth when still developing.
- jsmthrowaway 9y agoIs that better? Imagine a bent leg. It seems like one would want it to break and heal, no?
- fjsolwmv 9y agoA big break pokes a big infected hole in muscle and skin