ME661

NATURAL CUTTERS
Anirudh Choudhary
Shreya Sri. B
 INTRODUCTION
In the natural world, many different kinds of organisms and
phenomena can be observed that act as cutters. Over
time, they have undergone evolutionary changes in order
to fulfill diverse functions such as acquiring food and
ensuring personal protection. For instance, various
anatomical features such as teeth, claws, talons, beaks,
fish scales, jaws, grass blades, thorns, and even rocks
might serve as examples.
Natural cutters are remarkable adaptations formed over millions of years of
evolution, serving vital roles in defense, predation, foraging, and manipulation.
This study focuses on thorns, talons, beaks, and predator teeth, exploring
their origins, purposes, evolution, and ecological significance. We aim to
understand how these adaptations contribute to species survival,
highlighting their unique features and shared traits through comparative
analysis.
We explore the interesting histories of these natural cutters, learning about
their genesis, purposes, evolutionary paths, and ecological importance. We
will identify similarities and differences between these natural cutters
through comparative study, revealing light on the adaptations that have
independently developed in the natural world. We also gain insights into the
intricate web of life on Earth, where the capacity to cut, grasp, or defend plays
a crucial role in forming the intricate dance of ecological interactions.
Thorns, Spines and Prickles: Nature’s Defensive
Cutters
Structures and Functions:
Thorns, found in various plant species, serve as protective structures by deterring herbivores. They vary in
size and shape, with toughness and sharpness designed to discourage grazing. Thorns exhibit structural
diversity, some being straight and hard, while others are curved, making them difficult for herbivores to
navigate. Many thorns have tiny barbs or hooks, enhancing their effectiveness by making them hard to
remove once embedded in herbivores' flesh.

Evolutionary Adaptations:
These are a result of the dynamics of co-evolution between plants and herbivores. Thorny plants during
geological time periods gained a competitive advantage by discouraging herbivores, enabling their survival
and reproduction. As a result of herbivores' adaptation to avoid or endure thorns, a continual evolutionary
arms race began.
Examples in Nature
Rose Bushes
Roses are known for their prickles, which are modified thorns
serving as both defense and aesthetic features. Unlike
thorns, which are extensions of a plant's epidermis, rose,
raspberry, and blackberry bushes have prickles resembling
thick hairs growing from their skin.
Durian Thorns
The durian, a fruit native to Indonesia, uses its thorns for
protection and deterring predators. When ripe durians
fall from the tree, the thorns help absorb impact, thanks
to their natural design. The thorns consist of three
layers: the Thorn tip (dry and hard), Thorn skin (greenish
exterior shell), and Thorn core (soft, white material
beneath the skin). The Thorn skin has a high tensile
strength of 20.07 MPa, significantly greater than the
Thorn core's 8.527 MPa.
Cactus spines
Cacti, renowned for surviving harsh conditions, feature
spines as a remarkable adaptation for deterring
herbivores and conserving water. Unlike leaves, cactus
spines primarily serve a defensive role rather than
photosynthesis. Their rigidity, sharpness, and wax
coating minimize water loss through transpiration,
maintaining consistency in sharpness and toughness
across cactus species.
Evaluating Thorn sharpness
01
Finger Testing
One of the initial methods for
determining a thorn's
sharpness is still tactile
evaluation. One can determine
a thorn's potential to pierce skin
or leave noticeable markings by
lightly touching the thorn's tip
with a fingertip. When applied
to durian thorns, which have a
strong, pointed morphology,
the finger test frequently
results in an immediate
awareness of their sharpness.
02
Gloved Hand Test
Using a gloved hand is a safer
option to direct finger touch
for safety reasons. The gloved
hand test reduces the
possibility of harm while
simultaneously giving a
tangible feeling of how sharp
the thorn is. This is particularly
important in the case of cacti
spines, which are well known
for their capacity to dissuade
herbivores.
Evaluating Thorn sharpness
03
Microscopic Examination
Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), in particular, enables
microscopic investigations to
provide a magnified view of thorn
surfaces. These investigations
reveal the thorn's edge's intricate
microstructure. The finely
serrated or barbed features that
contribute to the intimidating
sharpness of durian thorns may
be visible by SEM analysis.
04
Force Gauge
Another tried-and-true method
is to measure the force
required to make the thorn
penetrate a standard
substance (like rubber or foam,
for example). Due to their
considerable efficiency in this
area, rose prickles have been
shown to require relatively less
effort than their blunter
competitors, which reflects
how effective their defenses
are.
Resources
● https://huntington.org/verso/2020/07/spines-thorns-and-prickles

● Bundit Phungsara et al 2021 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 1137 012042
THANK YOU !