Writing claw: Difference between revisions
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The writing claw can refer to the claw of the digit next to the inner thumb of the forepaw, or to the entire digit analogous to a human's index finger. | The writing claw can refer to the claw of the digit next to the inner thumb of the forepaw, or to the entire digit analogous to a human's index finger. | ||
There is a writing claw on each forepaw, though the majority of yinrih favor their left paw for writing. | |||
A [[yinrih]]'s writing claw is shaped like the nib of a fountain pen, and acts more or less like one as well. However, while a fountain pen uses capillary action and gravity to cause a "controlled leak" to produce ink flow, a yinrih has voluntary control over the muscles in the ink sac. By contracting these muscles, and by gently pressing the tip of the claw against a writing surface, ink can flow out. This mechanism allows the writing claw to work in microgravity. | A [[yinrih]]'s writing claw is shaped like the nib of a fountain pen, and acts more or less like one as well. However, while a fountain pen uses capillary action and gravity to cause a "controlled leak" to produce ink flow, a yinrih has voluntary control over the muscles in the ink sac. By contracting these muscles, and by gently pressing the tip of the claw against a writing surface, ink can flow out. This mechanism allows the writing claw to work in microgravity. | ||
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Ink often dries on the tip of the writing claw, explaining the characteristic flicking gesture that yinrih do before writing. | Ink often dries on the tip of the writing claw, explaining the characteristic flicking gesture that yinrih do before writing. | ||
It is common for yinrih of both genders to score or paint designs onto the writing claw. Designs include religious symbols, floral patterns, and tiny passages of text. | |||
[[Category:Biology]] | |||