Why do wombats have cube-shaped poop?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jim mcnamara
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cube
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Wombats produce cube-shaped feces due to the unique structure of their intestines, specifically the last 8% of the alimentary canal, which shapes the fecal matter as it dries. This phenomenon is attributed to variable intestinal wall resistance, leading to the cubic form. The research presented at the APS Fluid Dynamics seminar suggests potential manufacturing applications based on this natural process. The stacking behavior of the feces may serve a purpose related to territorial marking or other social behaviors among wombats.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of animal physiology, particularly marsupial digestion
  • Familiarity with the APS (American Physical Society) seminar structure
  • Basic comprehension of fecal matter analysis in ecological studies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of intestinal wall resistance in shaping fecal matter
  • Explore the implications of animal behavior on fecal stacking in territorial species
  • Investigate potential manufacturing applications inspired by natural processes
  • Learn about the latest findings in marsupial digestion and physiology
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, ecologists, fluid dynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of animal behavior and physiological adaptations.

jim mcnamara
Mentor
Messages
4,789
Reaction score
3,852
http://meetings.aps.org/Meeting/DFD18/Session/E19.1 link to presentation
https://gizmodo.com/we-finally-know-how-wombats-produce-their-distinctly-cu-1830414749

This may belong in Fluid dynamics. It is begin presented at an APS Fluid Dynamics seminar. @boneh3ad might know more.

Wombats (Australian marsupial, herbivore) apparently collect their dried poop cubes and stack them. The last 8% of the alimentary canal shapes the fecal matter into cubes as it dries, using variable intestinal wall resistance. The gizmodo article explains it in more detail. The fecal stacking behavior is possibly the why behind creating cubes. (my guess).

The APS abstract suggests the wombat approach may have manufacturing potential as a new method.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: andrewkirk
Biology news on Phys.org
I had no idea. It certainly explains their bad temper, though!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jim mcnamara
At least based on the Gizmodo article, this seems almost so obvious as to not even really be a conclusion. "It is a cube because the walls of the colon push more on the middle than near the corners" is essentially what this say, and that seems more like a requirement for this to happen rather than a means of doing so. The more impressive feat would be having square ends, which wasn't addressed in the article.

Also, who funded this study?

I stopped going to APS DFD a year or two ago because few people from my field show up anymore, but it is generally filled with strange talks like this.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jim mcnamara