Illustration of Forces on Organisms (IMAGE) University of California - Riverside Caption Trees and other organisms facing air or water flow will experience forces that could bend, break, or dislodge them. By understanding the variables that help resist those forces, as well as the speeds of the air or water, scientists can use an ecomechanical model to make predictions about survival. Credit (Tim Higham/UCR) Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.