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Author: Boyle, Madeline A. × End date: 2023 × Start date: 2020 × search.filters.applied.f.isOrgUnitOfPublicationTitle: College of Engineering ×

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The Biomechanics of Elephant Trunk Elongation

2022-05 , Boyle, Madeline A.

The elephant trunk is one of the largest, most versatile boneless appendages, dwarfing similar muscular hydrostats such as octopus tentacles and chameleon tongues. Little is known about how an elephant’s large size influences the function of the trunk. Analyses of high-speed videography revealed that elephant trunks could extend up to 125% of their resting length, a small percentage compared to the chameleon tongue’s 1000%. Seemingly restricted by their massive size, elephants may employ unique strategies to accomplish complex reaching movements grounded in morphological asymmetries. Using a digital analysis, we determine asymmetric relationships between trunk morphology and elongation mechanics. Not only does the trunk exhibit a forward wave mechanism during elongation, extending one segment at a time, but the dorsal portion can also stretch 15% more than the ventral portion. We discuss how elephant trunks stretch section by section and why the trunk’s skin is as important as the muscles when analyzing reaching tasks.

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