Jehovah’s Witnesses

Bible Teachings  Science & the Bible  Was It Designed?

WAS IT DESIGNED?

The Shock-Absorbent Skin of the Pomelo

The pomelo is a large, sweet citrus fruit that grows on a tree. Although the fruit may fall more
than 10 meters (30 ft), it survives undamaged! What makes this fruit so shock absorbent?

Consider: Researchers have found that the white inner layer of the pomelo’s skin forms a
spongelike network of cells and space. The space between the cells increases as it gets deeper in
the fruit and is filled with air or liquid. When the fruit falls and hits the ground, the liquid acts like
a cushion. The pomelo’s skin compresses and stiffens, absorbing the energy instead of breaking.

Scientists are testing a shock-resistant metal foam that they designed based on the structure of
the pomelo’s skin. They believe that similar structures could be used in designing helmets for
motorcyclists, impact protection for vehicles, and protection against meteoroid impact on a space
station.

What do you think? Did the pomelo’s shock-absorbent skin evolve? Or was it designed?

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