AskNature

Thick fibrous bark of giant sequoia trees protects from wildfire damage by insulating against heat and slowly charring to form a protective barrier.

Melanophila fire beetles find freshly burned wood by detecting wildfires from over 20 kilometers away using heat sensors on their bodies.

Thermophilic microbes survive extreme heat with highly stable proteins, heat-resistant membranes, and compact genomes that resist damage from fire-like temperatures.

The short-beaked echidna survives wildfires by taking shelter to avoid heat and entering torpor to reduce metabolic needs during scarcity.

The respiratory system of birds facilitates efficient exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen by using air sacs to maintain a continuous unidirectional airflow through the lungs.

Penguin feathers trap and release air that forms a lubricating layer around them when speeding through water.

Volatile compounds found in oregano destroy fungi by breaking down their cell membranes.

Wings of penguins reduce heat loss by forming a countercurrent heat exchanger via the vascular design.

Tree canopies avoid wind damage by changing shape to become more aerodynamic.

Leaves of the sensitive plant protect themselves from predators and environmental conditions by folding in response to touch.

Parasitic fungus secretes behavior-modifying chemicals into cicadas that dramatically changes their sex drive.

A slight rise in humidity triggers pine cones to curl up their scales to prevent ineffective seed dispersal in wet weather.

Bees and wasps build space-efficient and strong nests using hexagonal cells.

The large ears of the jackrabbit are used in cooling, radiating heat via an extensive network of blood vessels.

By absorbing the sun’s blue and red light, chlorophyll loses electrons, which become mobile forms of chemical energy that power plant growth.

Camel fur and sweat glands combine to form a powerful temperature management system.

Wetland plants, bacteria, and the physical environment work together to remove particles and pollutants  

Oysters build strong but flexible reefs using minerals in a sticky protein web.