When considering the strength of bone versus steel, it’s important to define what we mean by strength. Generally, steel is stronger than bone in terms of tensile strength and compressive strength.
Bones are indeed incredibly strong materials. In fact, a cross-section of human bone can withstand about 170 megapascals (MPa) of pressure. However, steel can withstand much greater pressure, often surpassing 400 MPa, depending on the type of steel and its treatment.
That said, bone is a remarkable material in its own right. It has the ability to adapt and remodel itself based on the stresses placed upon it. This means that if bones are subjected to heavier loads over time, they can become denser and stronger, a process known as Wolff’s Law.
Moreover, bone is lighter than steel, which is crucial for mobility in living organisms. Steel’s weight, while beneficial for certain applications like construction, makes it a less favorable material for the human body.
In summary, while steel is fundamentally stronger than bone in terms of raw material properties, bone has unique characteristics that allow it to be incredibly effective in its role within living organisms. They are each strong in their own right, depending on the context in which they are used.