b i o m e c h a n i c sFish that can project their jaws out to half their body lengths to capture prey? Spider webs

stronger than steel? Discover the marvels of natural engineering—and see how we can apply the innovations of evolution. Animals and plants have developed

highly specialized ways of adapting to their worlds, whether it’s an elephant whose 40,000+

trunk muscles enhance its precision and strength, a T. rex whose bite force makes it a champion

chomper, or a palm tree whose flexible trunk enables it to survive hurricane-force winds.

Humans draw inspiration from these biological marvels, using their examples to create new

technologies that are more efficient—and sometimes greener—than their predecessors.

In this new traveling exhibition opening in 2014, see examples of fascinating creatures from

the plant and animal worlds—from those extinct eons ago to recently discovered species.

Discover how their bodies work by engaging with simple and fun mechanical interactives.

Meet scientists who investigate biodiversity, and explore how they use technology to model

the inner workings of plants, animals, and humans. Enter the lab to experiment with new

adaptations and applications, and learn about the future of biomechanics and biomimicry, fields

that are re-energizing the imaginations of architects, engineers, and designers alike.

Highly interactive and specimen-rich, this timely, hands-on, and fun exhibition will bring the amazing science of biomechanics to life, and explore the

exciting promise it holds for

the future.

e X h i b i T i o n o V e R V i e W

1) Swimming, Sprinting, Chomping, Squinting: Animal Biomechanics

How does the sailfish reach speeds up to 68 mph (110 km/h)? Why did the prehistoric Dunkleosteus fish need a bite force of 8,000 pounds per square inch (55 MPa), putting it in the same league as giant sharks, crocodiles, and T. rex? Why do some bird’s eyes make up 15 percent of their heads’ weight, and how can their eyes see independently of each other? In what ways do beetles breathe like humans? Explore these questions and more through specimens, interactives, and models that bring the mechanics of the animal kingdom to life.

2) Innovation Crops Up All Over: Plant Biomechanics

The roots of sequoias penetrate only 3 feet (1 meter) into the ground, yet they are the tallest life forms on Earth: how do they do it? How can mushrooms recycle carbon and other substances that are potentially harmful to the environment? How do ferns catapult their spores into the air with such force? What allows the Venus flytrap to be such an effective predator? Peer into plants to see how their mechanics make amazing feats possible.

Exhibition Details

size:5,000 ft2 (450 m2); a larger or smaller version may be available—please inquire

Rental Fee: Please inquire

audience:Families, school groups, and adults

appropriate for:Natural history museums, science centers, children’s museums

shipping:One-way, inbound, paid by host venue (international arrangements vary)

Language:All text in English; language may be converted by international host venues

support:Experienced Field Museum staff lead onsite installation and de-installation

Educators’ Guide in English, including information for teacher, student, and public programs

Exhibitor Toolkit in English, including logo, installation photographs, rights-free images, B-roll, press kit contents, and sample advertisements

Installation and Design Manual in English detailing exhibition layout, installation, and maintenance

Range of branded products developed for the exhibition

Web site: www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibits/traveling_biomech.htm

This exhibition was created by The Field Museum, Chicago.

e x h i b i t i o n o V e R V i e W ( c o n t ’ d )

3) People Power: Human Biomechanics

Human athletes can sprint, swim, jump, and throw—what is it about our human anatomy that enables so many different types of movements? We humans evolved to walk upright on two legs, freeing our arms and hands for other tasks. Our hands—each with 27 bones and 17 muscles—can grasp objects with fine dexterity and a sensitive touch. Learn about these and other marvels of human biomechanics and see cutting-edge medical advancements that allow us to keep moving, despite injury and old age.

4) Biomimicry: From Nature to the Lab

Taking inspiration from nature’s ingenuity, scientists have made new technological breakthroughs in the field of biomimicry—in which scientists use design and engineering to imitate an aspect of the natural world. Some innovations are industrial: the aerodynamic qualities of sharkskin can inspire Michael Phelps’ famous swimsuit, for example, or tenacious

gecko feet can lead to new adhesives. Other uses improve the quality of life: carbon prosthetic limbs modeled on cheetah legs, or snake-like robots designed to squeeze into tight spaces in search-and-rescue operations. Through updatable media and interactives, investigate some of the latest research in biomimicry, and try out some innovations of your own.

5) The Future of Biomechanics

After exploring the fascinating variety of adaptation in nature, take away a broad understanding of key topics: that evolution is innovative, that biodiversity is important, and that the fields of biomechanics and biomimicry hold great promise for future study. All over the world, scientists, engineers, and artists are coming to the same conclusions, and are beginning to collaborate in exciting ways to innovate the field of design based on what they observe in nature. As new research continues, what will the science of biomechanics reveal next?

In surveys conducted by The Field Museum—including a nationwide online poll—visitors and museums consistently ranked Biomechanics #1 - #2 among possible exhibition topics.

For an exhibition prospectus, please contact:

hiLaRy sandeRsTraveling Exhibitions Manager Phone: (001) 312-665-7370 Fax: (001) 312-665-7324 E-mail: hsanders@fieldmuseum.org

amy boRnKamPTraveling Exhibitions ManagerPhone: (001) 312-665-7404Fax: (001) 312-665-7324E-mail: abornkamp@fieldmuseum.org

First page (clockwise from top left): Courtesy Wikipedia, © Laura Watson, © William Burger, © Mark Westneat, © The Field Museum, © The Field Museum/John WeinsteinSecond page (clockwise from top right): © Robert Lücking, © The Field Museum, © William Burger, © William BurgerThird page (clockwise from top right): © The Field Museum, © Robert Lücking, © John Bates, © Mark Westneat, © Greg Mercer, © The Field MuseumFourth page (clockwise from top left): © Greg Mercer, ©The Field Museum/John Weinstein, ©The Field Museum, © Paul D. Heideman, © William Burger