AskNature

The structure of the cells in xylem passively moves water from roots to leaves through a system of chambers and valves, and filters out pathogens.

The lymphatic system uses pressure, muscle contractions, and one-way valves to squeeze fluid through a network of vessels without the need for a pump. 

Young leaves of bamboo channel excess water using a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces.

The respiratory system of the hissing cockroach creates one-way airflow using valves and active pumping.

This single-celled organism creates efficient, resilient networks by constantly expanding and retracting in many directions.

Bacteria create swarms by making choices based on both their own and other bacteria’s choices

Biologically produced crystals help some bacteria detect Earth's magnetic field to simplify navigation.

Ant colonies distribute food effectively and safely after famine using a decentralized response to quickly spread food. 

While bats use high-pitched, inaudible sounds to find tiny insects, oilbirds use lower-pitched, audible sounds to sense walls, fruit, and other large objects.

Some fish visualize near-infrared wavelengths of light by feeding the red-light-sensing cone cells in their eyes with vitamin A2.

Some marine animals sense bioelectric fields using gel-filled pores that electrically connect external fields to internal nerve cells.

Insects use an alternating pattern of searches and surges to make sense of an inconsistent trail.

Aquaporin molecules form a channel that allows water to move across cell membranes.

Baleen whales use fringed sheets of keratin to strain food from water before they swallow.

The giant larvacean rapidly and regularly builds a house out of mucus capable of filtering large quantities of water.

Swirl-inducing structures separate microscopic particles from water without clogging up.

Crabs use “synchronous vacancy chain” behavior to find new shells fast and avoid risky homelessness.

African wild dogs make group decisions through versatile voting system

Meerkats manage conflict by taking turns leading.

Bacteria and yeast form a community to ensure their mutual survival and produce fermented tea.

Chamber-cored fibers capture sunlight, gather heat, and retain both to keep the polar bear warm.

Insulated outer leaves of the cabbage groundsel protect tender inner leaves from freezing by folding inward to enclose them at night.

The blood vessel network in the tongues of gray whales precools blood to avoid heat loss via counter-current heat exchange.

The bigger barbules and higher number of microscopic prongs on the down of eider ducks trap more heat than other feathers.

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

Elephants direct blood flow to their skin surface in areas scattered over their bodies to dissipate excess body heat. 

Cacti’s corrugated shapes create pockets of shaded, cooler air that help them shed body heat.

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

Chemicals in fungi break down contaminants.

Human kidneys filter waste from the blood and recycle beneficial compounds back into it using osmosis, variations in membrane permeability, and protein pumps.

The mucus “houses” of the giant larvacean enable it to filter seawater and sequester carbon in the ocean more efficiently than any other zooplankton.

Ryegrass sucks industrial chemicals from the soil and concentrates them in its cells.

The skin of cuttlefish changes color rapidly by expanding or contracting elastic pigment sacs.

Predator-specific alerts allow multiple species to survive by providing an early warning system.

The olfactory system of a dog detects diseases and disorders by responding to chemicals given off by affected individuals.

Specialized proteins in gall fly larvae create channels that push freezing water out of their cells and let natural anti-freeze flow into them.

A complex arrangement of materials in the weevils' slender snouts make them strong and flexible.

Clear structures focus and direct light to help the window plant harvest energy from the sun without overheating or drying out.

Mangrove glands use active transport to concentrate and excrete harmful ions.

Unique structures give fish the ability to adhere tenaciously to a variety of surfaces under water.