I'm looking for an alternative way for creatures of an alien planet to evolve bones without using calcium, so I thought an easy(?) way would be to have their bones made out of a carbon polymer, as there is plenty of carbon in the planet. Would there be a way for rigid bones to be made out of such a compound, if so, how?
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
3
-
2$\begingroup$ Wood is a carbon based polymer and has proven being quite sturdy. What does it miss that doesn't satisfy your question? $\endgroup$– L.Dutch ♦Commented Jul 22, 2022 at 21:26
-
3$\begingroup$ If your intention is to completely remove calcium from the environment (although I'm not sure why you'd want that), you should be aware it has many other biological roles besides bone formation. $\endgroup$– CadenceCommented Jul 23, 2022 at 1:04
-
$\begingroup$ Similar question: Would carbon fiber be a good choice to strengthen human bones, and how would that work? $\endgroup$– JBHCommented Jul 23, 2022 at 3:27
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
1
The exoskeletons of arthropods are made of chitin (C8H13O5N), which is a sturdy material. Wood is made primarily of cellulose (C6H10O5) and similar, simpler compounds. Both of these materials have proven sturdy.
-
2$\begingroup$ Cartilage is another important material made up primarily of carbon-based polymers, and it's sturdy enough to serve as the skeleton for cartilaginous fish such as sharks. But while all three of these can be durable, none of them are as durable as bone. $\endgroup$– CadenceCommented Jul 23, 2022 at 1:11