How do woodpeckers avoid getting a concussion?

Woodpeckers are known for their unique ability to repeatedly peck at trees without experiencing any serious damage to their brains or skulls. In fact, woodpeckers can strike a tree up to 20 times per second with a force of up to 1200 Gs, which is equivalent to a human being traveling at a speed of 50 miles per hour and suddenly coming to a stop.

The secret behind the woodpecker's remarkable ability to avoid getting a concussion lies in the anatomy of its head and neck. For example, woodpeckers have a thick, spongy bone that surrounds their brain, which helps to absorb the shock of each blow. Additionally, woodpeckers have long tongues that wrap around their brains, which helps to cushion their brains and prevent them from bouncing around inside their skulls.

Another adaptation that woodpeckers have is a specialized beak that is designed to help absorb shock. The upper and lower parts of the beak are made of two different types of bone that are able to slide past each other, which helps to dissipate the force of each blow. Additionally, woodpeckers have a hyoid bone that wraps around their skulls and acts as a kind of safety belt, helping to prevent their brains from being jostled around inside their skulls.

Overall, the woodpecker's unique adaptations have allowed it to avoid serious head injuries, despite the fact that it spends a significant amount of time pecking at trees. These adaptations are not only fascinating to scientists, but also have important implications for the development of new technologies and materials that can help to protect humans from brain injuries and concussions.