Finite element analysis (FEA) is a powerful computer-based tool widely used by engineers and scientists for understanding the mechanics of physical systems. Our goal is to provide shared resources, guidelines and tools for the biological community that facilitate the use of FEA in biological research.
FEA workshop
Lophostoma silvicolum ( White-throated Round-eared Bat
)
We investigated whether the skull of Lophostoma silvicolum is specialized for roost excavation relative to the ecologically similar species Tonatia saurophila and Micronycteris hirsuta, which do not excavate roosts. We conducted finite element analyses that simulated roost excavating and feeding behaviors in these three bats species.
