The evolution of the hammer

The evolution of the hammer

Stomatopod crustaceans have evolved powerful raptorial appendages used to break apart armored prey such a snails. For their size, this smashing appendages is the most powerful known. Sheila Patek and Roy Caldwell have recorded strikes by this Odontodactylus scyllarus with a force up to 1400 N - sufficient to break a glass aquarium which why they keep them in Plexiglass tanks.

Photo courtesy of Professor Roy Caldwell, Department of Integrative Biology