Several years ago, scientists received the Ig Nobel Prize for discovering how wombats produce cubic-shaped feces.
Further research has revealed why some animals produce pellets while others produce something resembling "sticks," and the discovery may even have some unexpected applications.
Dr. Scott Carver from the University of Tasmania gained significant recognition for discovering that the cubic shape of wombat feces forms in the intestines. Recently, he and his co-authors were inspired by the perfect hexagonal rock formations visible on the Giant's Causeway in Ireland and some other volcanic sites. The phenomenon was explained by cracking caused by rapid cooling on the surface of lava, while the future rock remains hot inside.
The wombat's intestine is not as hot, but the team suspects that the "drying" process plays a similar role. After conducting experiments with cornmeal in troughs illuminated by heat lamps, the authors found that the shape of the feces is determined by the moisture content in the intestines.
Animals with fecal moisture content of less than 70% produce pellets that are no longer than twice their width.
Above this threshold, the feces will be longer. Carver noted that humans typically have an average fecal moisture content of 75%.
If the moisture is even higher, as in cow manure (85–90%), the product resembles a puddle.
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