Assignment Description
- Research + citation
- Photo of mood board
- Short Design Proposal (what you are planning to design based on your research)
- Quick Sketches of ideas
1.Research
February 12, 2019
Every species is unique in its purpose and in its design and often those two aspects are aligned in how it functions in this world. There are various ways in which one can differentiate or categories animals to better comprehend them. One avenue in comparing animals is through their skeletons and how they manifest in each animal.
There are three different kinds of frames to explore: the endoskeleton, the hydrostatic and the exoskeleton. The endoskeleton, the one most commonly known to us humans, is the skeleton that resides within our interior and that of various other species. Contrary to what is thought, there are more than two skeletons, the one least discussed is Hydrostatic. The Hydrostatic structure was cultivated for species that are a mix of cold blood and soft-bodied interiors. Now lastly, there is the exoskeleton which is fascinating to me because their bone structure is the exterior of the animals and enclosed inside the hardcovers are the soft tissue remnants.
All three of these structures are naturally vital for each species. In my research, when it comes to exoskeletons, in particular, my knowledge has expanded on that physical appearance and how that design is beneficiary to arthropods.
When it comes it exploring the category of exoskeletons, we discover the evolution of arthropods. Scientists say about 550 million years there was an event called the Cambrian Explosion, which is when there was an influx in the growth of a large percentage of arthropods. Now in regard to the exoskeleton, according to California Academy of Sciences, “Despite arthropods’ prevalence and diversity, scientists still disagree on when their most distinctive feature—the exoskeleton—evolved.” With that being said, however, as of recently there might be new evidence that might hint to the catalyst of the exoskeleton. Fossil remains found in China of a creature identified as Diania Cactiformis has sparked hope that perhaps there is lead to the large question at hand, when did the exoskeleton develop?
The Diania Cactiformis also known as the, “walking cactus,” is a small animal; about three inches, thin and paired with ten appendages. Now the truly curious fact about the creature is how, “…its legs appear robust and hard, not unlike those of modern-day insects, its body appears soft.” And this fact about a soft body juxtaposed with firm limbs “…indicates that the spiny appendages characteristic of this phylum evolved prior to the exoskeleton itself.” Now there is no telling if this creature is the oldest ancestor which then all arthropods evolved from, but the Diania Cactiformis allows scientists to get that much closer to the source.
Geologist, Jianni Liu, and many other scientists, “say whether the walking cactus represents a common ancestor of all arthropods, the discovery of a “feet first, body second” organism like the walking cactus raises the possibility that other arthropod species alive today may have a similar evolutionary history.”
What’s fascinating is how above 75% of the creatures in this world are made up of exoskeletons. There rigid and sturdy exterior casing, that of insects, “are made of chitin, which is embedded into a kind of tough protein matrix. (Chitin is a nitrogen-based biopolymer).” But crustaceans, another kind of anthropoid have an additional element of calcium carbonate, which strengthens the skeleton. Although an outer skeleton seems suffocating, “…exoskeleton consists of flexible leg joints to enable the creature to move about.” And what’s profound is how when the creature outgrows the skeleton it will undergo a process called ecdysis which allows the animal to, “shed its overly tight outer skin in order to make way for a new one.”
Exoskeletons don’t solely provide a strong armor; in addition, ” exoskeleton can also contain sensory hairs or bristles…” Not only that some animals can, ” secrete various pheromones and chemicals onto the surface of their shell as a means of repelling predators.” Most animals that are equipped with exoskeletons tend to be on the small end of the scale and that gives other species the notion that their size means they’re less daunting but in reality, these animals can be very dangerous. Through the education arthropods, one can’t underestimate size.
And to bring this to an end, what can’t be denied of this earth and the animals placed on it is our plant has a fascinating mixture of all kinds of beautiful creatures. Each animal is so unique and different and here on earth serving a purpose. Maybe one that’s rather minuscule or one of great value; regardless, they are a piece of the puzzle that units and strengths our planet, therefore, an essential to our world.
Bibliography
- Study.com, Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-an-exoskeleton-definition-advantages-examples.html.
- “Animals with Exoskeletons Explained – How It Works.” How It Works Magazine, Future Plc, 26 Oct. 2016, www.howitworksdaily.com/animals-with-exoskeletons-explained/.
- “Exoskeleton Evolution.” California Academy of Sciences, California Academy of Sciences, www.calacademy.org/explore-science/exoskeleton-evolution.
- “Invertebrates.” National Geographic, National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/.
- ScienceFairLady. “What Are the Three Types of Skeletons?” HubPages, HubPages, 13 Feb. 2018, hubpages.com/education/What-are-the-Three-Types-of-Skeletons.
- “What Is the Difference Between Endoskeleton and Exoskeleton?” Reference, IAC Publishing, www.reference.com/science/difference-between-endoskeleton-exoskeleton-f32d5b56faf134c2.
2.Mood Board
3. Short Design Proposal
I interested in creating a dress that resembles a unique bone structure for a female. ( I am still gathering ideas for silhouettes for my creation.) With that being said, I want to make the dress black to create a dark look, but I want to juxtapose that with beautiful butterfly detailing
4. Quick Sketches of ideas
5. Product
Final of the hat:
Final of the dress:
Process Pictures:
Reflection
This project was a great challenge but one I thoroughly enjoyed. I took on more than I could chew in many ways. I decided to create a dress and also, a hat to go with it.
The hat was created more out of fun with excess materials; however, the dress, being the primary target was a considerably arduous task. The materials used to develop both products were cheap boards and paper fasteners. Contrary to my initial take on the elements they were difficult to manipulate to my liking at first. I cheap board would only mold in specific directions and ways, and I had to comprehend that and consider it while creating the piece. At first, the material gave a major headache, but when I adjusted my perception and mentality on the project, I did well.
With that being said, the cheap board took an extensive amount of time to create. A simple task like cutting took minutes due to the material have a thick rough texture, so I had to get around that obstacle. There a list of challenges that I wasn’t aware of because I hadn’t worked with these materials. But this made me realize the importance of visions and ideas because I think when you have a clear picture of what you want to create it makes it very worth it to endure the pain and directly execute the plan.
I probably wouldn’t have the project that I do if weren’t for the extension given to the class. If the project was after all due on the 27th, I would be in significant trouble. Like any human, I have my faults; and I am conscious of the fact that I have a challenge with distributing and utilizing my time in the right fashion. Although I have all these dreams and visions of ideas, I see that I am going to struggle if I don’t learn to discipline myself and suffer at the moment rather than in the future.
Overall, even though I took on a lot, I created two products and both decent in my eyes. I am proud of all the effort and hours I put into this project. I am going to alter a few things for myself ( because my art is never finished), but with that being said, I love my results.
