C.J. Harper

Papers

Total Citations

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About

C.J. Harper is a leading researcher in functional morphology and evolutionary biomechanics, with a particular focus on the specialized feeding adaptations of nectarivorous bats and birds. Harper’s work reveals how dynamic biological structures solve complex physical challenges, such as the rapid and efficient extraction of nectar from flowers. Their most cited study, "Specialized bat tongue is a hemodynamic nectar mop" (2013, 81 citations), demonstrates that the bat *Glossophaga soricina* uses erectile, filamentous papillae at the tongue tip—powered by blood flow—to create a highly effective "mop" for nectar collection. This discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of how nectar-feeding bats harvest food, bridging fluid dynamics and evolutionary biology. Harper’s research has been influential in comparative anatomy and bioinspired design, with their work cited in studies on pollination ecology and biomimetic engineering. By revealing the hidden complexity of seemingly simple feeding behaviors, Harper continues to shape how scientists view the interplay between morphology, physiology, and ecological specialization.