2018/09/28 by Michael M. Porter, Pooya Niksiar · 1 citation
Materials Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Mathematics · #Silk-based biomaterials and applications #Cephalopods and Marine Biology #Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology #Radar #Computer science #Biological system #Radar chart #Plot (graphics) #Visualization #Artificial intelligence #Mathematics #Biology #Statistics
paper · pdf · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0204309
openalex publication_date 2018/09/28 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06
Comparing the functional performance of biological systems often requires comparing multiple mechanical properties. Such analyses, however, are commonly presented using orthogonal plots that compare N ≤ 3 properties. Here, we develop a multidimensional visualization strategy using permutated radar charts (radial, multi-axis plots) to compare the relative performance distributions of mechanical systems on a single graphic across N ≥ 3 properties. Leveraging the fact that radar charts plot data in the form of closed polygonal profiles, we use shape descriptors for quantitative comparisons. We identify mechanical property-function correlations distinctive to rigid, flexible, and damage-tolerant biological materials in the form of structural ties, beams, shells, and foams. We also show that the microstructures of dentin, bone, tendon, skin, and cartilage dictate their tensile performance, exhibiting a trade-off between stiffness and extensibility. Lastly, we compare the feeding versus singing performance of Darwin's finches to demonstrate the potential of radar charts for multidimensional comparisons beyond mechanics of materials.