The other advantage of the square segmented tail seems to be the firm grip it gives the seahorse on whatever fixed objects it needs to get a hold of. Experiments with the 3D printed tail model prove that the square shape works much better than the rounded tail as far as allowing the seahorse to retain a strong hold on an anchored object while enduring the ebb and flow of the tide. Scientists mimicked the pull of waves beating against the object and the tail and found that the square segmented tail was better at holding on and resisting the movement of the waves than the round segmented tail.

How can solving one of nature’s riddles help us humans? Scientists are already looking into how they can use this information in medical devices and robotics in order to design devices that are flexible enough to move around bones and organs, but are strong enough to perform surgical operations.

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University, Dr. Ross Hatton explains, “We found that this square architecture provides adequate dexterity and a tough resistance to predators, but also that it tends to snap naturally back into place once it’s been twisted and deformed. This could be very useful for robotics applications that need to be strong, but also energy efficient and able to bend and twist in tight spaces. Human engineers tend to build things that are stiff so they can be controlled easily, but nature makes things just strong enough not to break, and then flexible enough to do a wide range of tasks. That’s why we can learn a lot from animals that will inspire the next generations of robotics.” Though a lifesaving surgical operation may never be performed by an actual seahorse, you can at least distract yourself with the thought while undergoing your next colonoscopy.