strategy
Quorum determines new hive sitehoneybees
Honeybees in a colony select a new hive location via quorum.
strategy
Antennae detect a variety of signalsWestern Honeybee, Buff-tailed Bumblebee
The antennae of a bee allows it to sense a variety of signals including chemicals, light, vibrations, and electric fields.
strategy
Intricate relationship allows the other to flourishthe sea anemone and the clownfish
The relationship between the sea anemone and clownfish allows the other to flourish through symbiosis.
strategy
Fire and bison grazing in grasslands lead to diversityGreat Plains mesic grasslands
The interaction of two disturbances—bison grazing patterns and fire—increases biodiversity by creating a heterogeneous patchwork of plant communities in grasslands.
strategy
Group organization protects from the coldemperor penguins
Groups of emperor penguins protect from the cold thanks to social huddling.
strategy
Interacting organisms remove nutrients
Wetlands remove nutrients and sediments from water as plants, bacteria, and physical processes interact.
strategy
Plant species diversity creates long-term stabilityprairie grasslands
Diverse plant species in prairie grasslands support a long-term, stable ecosystem because they exhibit complementary functionality.
strategy
Colonies self-organizesocial insects
Colonies of social insects self-organize and carry out complex group tasks through many simple individual interactions.
strategy
Nurse shrubs promote ecosystem regenerationMediterranean montane ecosystems
Pioneering nurse shrubs in Mediterranean montane forests promote ecosystem regeneration by increasing shade above ground and potassium below ground.
strategy
Parasite helps balance a mutualistic relationshipfig tree and fig wasp
Parasitic wasps increase fig tree production by placing limits on the mutualism between figs and fig wasps.
strategy
Stinging cells target preyGreen sea anemone
Stinging cells of sea anemones effectively target prey using a combination of physical and chemical cues.
strategy
Electric organ stuns prey, deters attackerselectric catfish
The organ surrounding the body of an electric catfish can stun prey or be used in defense by discharging up to 350 volts of electricity.
strategy
Sucker attaches to uneven surfacesSharksuckers Or Remoras
Sucker of remora grips uneven surfaces with a combination of suction and friction
strategy
Mouthparts hold tightSheep Tick
Mouthparts of tick hold tight using a combined ratchet and barb mechanism
strategy
Vision without eyespurple sea urchin
The body of purple sea urchins may allow spatial vision due to diffuse photoreceptors on the body surface and spines that shield wide-angle light.
strategy
Blind cave-dwellers have super sensesAlabama cavefish
The bodies of Alabama cavefish allow them to survive without vision via elaborate appendages and beefed-up nerve centers.
strategy
Head kept motionless in flightkestrel
The head of the kestrel remains motionless in flight due to the bird's ability to hover by facing into the wind and matching its speed.
strategy
Echolocation pinpoints targetEgyptian fruit bat
Echolocation of Egyptian fruit bats is used to pinpoint the position of prey after detection by directing calls at the sides of the desired target.
strategy
Eyes see above and below water surfacefour-eyed fish
Split eyes of the four-eyed fish allow it to see above and below the surface of the water simultaneously due to varying thickness in the lens.
strategy
Eyes 'see' magnetic fieldsgarden warbler
Photoreceptor neurons in the eyes of some birds help navigation by detecting magnetic fields using magnetic sensing molecules called cryptochromes.
strategy
Beak design absorbs high-energy impactstoco toucan
Toucan beaks are built lightweight and strong thanks to a rigid foamy inside and layers of fibrous keratin tile outside.
strategy
Pit-and-mound topography fosters biodiversityDouglas fir forests
The pit-and-mound surface microtopography of the forest floor in Douglas fir forests helps create and maintain diversity by creating microhabitats.
strategy
Smoke stimulates germinationpost-fire habitats
Flowers in post-fire habitats are stimulated to germinate by chemical substrates in smoke.
strategy
Mounds maximize ecosystem productivityOdontotermes termites
The below-ground mounds of Odontotermes termites strongly influence savanna productivity via ordered spatial distribution and modification of soil composition.
strategy
Spider silk warns birdsorb-web spider
Strands in orb-weaver spider webs warn birds, attract insects using UV-reflecting silk.
strategy
Combustion chamber sprays scalding liquidbombardier beetle
The combustion chamber of the bombardier beetle ejects scalding liquid by having a heart-shaped, long, narrow ejection tube.
strategy
Sticky proteins serve as glueblue mussel
Byssal threads of the blue mussel attach to a wet, solid surface using adhesive proteins that overcome the surface’s attraction to water molecules.
strategy
Spongey cranium absorbs impactgolden-fronted woodpecker
The skull of the golden-fronted woodpecker protects it from brain injury by absorbing shock via a plate-like spongey bone in the frontal cranium.
strategy
Wing scales cause light to diffract and interfereMorpho butterflies
Wings of Morpho butterflies create color by causing light waves to diffract and interfere.
strategy
Multiple organisms interactsoil ecosystem
The soil ecosystem supports plant growth through interactions of millions of organisms that work together to break down chemicals and aerate the soil.
strategy
Symbiosis enables growth in salty soilberseem clover
Mycorrhiza allow Egyptian clover to grow in salty soil by regulating the uptake and distribution of salt ions into the plant.
strategy
Structure distributes stressScots Pine
Trunks and branches of trees withstand external stresses through load-adaptive growth.
strategy
Bending prevents damageBirds
Flight feathers of birds avoid damage by bending out of the way
strategy
Interlocking increases material’s toughnessMolluscs
Plates in nacre increase toughness by interlocking
strategy
Feet self-cleanTokay Gecko
Feet of the tokay gecko dynamically self-clean by flinging contaminants off toes.
strategy
Adhesive foot pads self-cleanInsects
Adhesive hairy foot pads on insects self-clean more efficiently than smooth pads because hair tips reduce the area for particle attachment.
strategy
Ridged surfaces resist biofoulingCommon Mussel, Mediterranean Mussel
Ridged surfaces on mussel shells resist biofouling by disrupting attachment.
strategy
Petals self-clean without being slipperyPlants, Wild pansy
Petals of pansy flowers maintain self-cleaning without sacrificing grip because of cone-shaped cells.
strategy
Skin reduces biofoulingshark
The scales of shark skin may influence attachment of fouling microorganisms via shape and surface topography.
strategy
Plant fragments prevent infectionsblue tit chicks
Blue tit females protect their chicks from pathogenic bacteria by selectively placing fragments of certain aromatic plants in their nests.
strategy
Nests are antimicrobialfoam-nesting frogs
Nests of foam-nesting frogs protect eggs and sperm from microbes using unique antimicrobial proteins called ranaspumins.
strategy
Antimicrobial peptides destroy bacteriaAmerican dog tick
Defensins in the American dog tick destroys the bacteria that cause Lyme disease by introducing voltage-dependent channels into bacterial membranes.
strategy
Compounds from symbiotic bacteria kill pathogenshoopoe bird
The uropygial glands of hoopoe birds contain a symbiotic bacteria that secrete antiseptics targeted at feather-eating bacteria.
strategy
Seed coat and enzymes protect seedlotus
Seeds of lotus remain viable for thousands of years via hard seed coat and repair enzymes.
strategy
Adaptive camouflage helps blend into the environmentcuttlefish
The skin of cuttlefish changes color rapidly using elastic pigment sacs called chromatophores, in order to evade predators.
strategy
‘Bombs’ distract predatorsgreen bomber worms
Capsules discharged by green bomber worms produce bright green bioluminescence to distract predators.
strategy
Lure attracts preyanglerfish
The rod-like lure on the head of a female anglerfish attracts prey using bioluminescence.
strategy
Pheromone sends long-range signallamprey
Special glands in male sea lamprey gills release a bile that acts as a sex pheromone to attract long-distance females.
strategy
Compounds protect against predatorsmilkweed
The chemical signaling system of milkweed defends against predators by use of terpene compounds
strategy
Odor attracts specific insectstitan arum
The inflorescence of the titan arum plant attracts specific pollinators by emitting an intense, carrion-like odor.
strategy
Receptor organs filter background noiseweakly electric fish
Receptor organs in the skin of weakly electric fishes filter out background noise and enable communication using cells as capacitors.
strategy
Receptors detect tiny disturbancesalligator
Faces of alligators detect tiny disturbances in the water and discriminate objects using touch-sensitive receptor cells in their scales.
strategy
Organs detect electrical currentsgreat white shark
The snout of a great white shark detects minute electrical currents produced by prey using electrosensitive organs called ampullae of Lorenzini.
strategy
Olfactory bulb detects X-rayscat
The sensory system of cats detects X-ray radiation with the olfactory bulb, rather than the eyes.
strategy
Organs aid navigationdolphin
The larynx and an organ on the head of dolphins detect and identify shapes of objects by sending and detecting sonar.
strategy
Electricity helps communicationsmormyrid electric fish
The mormyrid electric fish communicate during courtship using electrical displays by varying waveform and pulse intervals.
strategy
Amplifying soundbull snake
The hissing sound produced by a bull snake when air is forced through the bisected glottis is amplified thanks to a well-developed epiglottis.
strategy
Humidity changes exoskeleton colorHercules beetle
The exoskeleton of the Hercules beetle changes from green to black with increasing humidity using thin film interference by reversible modification of layer thickness.
strategy
Fire opens seed capsulesbanksia
Seeds of Banksia plants are dispersed via two-valved seed capsules that open in high fire temperatures.
strategy
Cyanogenic poison protects from herbivoresacacia
The leaves of acacia trees protect from being eaten by producing a cyanogenic poison.
strategy
Leaves signal presence of predatorsacacia
The leaves of acacias send a warning to other plants that herbivores are feeding by releasing ethylene gas.
strategy
Feet aid silent movementAfrican lion
The feet of African lions allow them to move silently because large foot pads cushion the sound of their footfalls.
strategy
Light used for camouflagevelvet belly lantern shark
Light emitting organs on the underside of velvet belly lantern sharks help camouflage them via bioluminescent counterillumination.
strategy
Achieving precise alignmentsea slug
Sea slugs align themselves at a precise angle by detecting the Earth's north-south magnetic axis.
strategy
Ear-flaps concentrate sound wavesmammals
The external ear-flaps of many mammals aid hearing by concentrating sound waves.
strategy
Bioluminescence protects from predationdinoflagellates
Bioluminescence produced by some dinoflagellates helps protect them from predation by silently alerting higher order predators to the location of their enemies.
strategy
Individuals avoid contactmosquitofish
Fish move synchronously in shoal by reacting dynamically to the nearest neighbor fish.
strategy
Chemicals reveal foescarpenter ant
Carpenter ants identify intruders based on the scent of cuticular chemicals not present on nest-mates.
strategy
Choice of plant reduces parasite loadmonarch butterfly
Monarch butterflies infected with parasites capable of infecting their offspring avoid transmission by selectively laying their eggs on plants containing therapeutic remedies.
strategy
Scales create brilliant whiteCyphochilus beetles
Ultrathin exterior scales of beetles create brilliant whiteness by scattering a wide spectrum of visible light wavelengths.
strategy
Collision detection in a swarmlocusts
The neuron lobula giant movement detector (LGMD) of the locust protects the locust from collison by filtering out excess stimuli.
strategy
Fins taste by touchgurnards
The fins of many fish, including gurnards and sea-robins, taste potential food using taste buds located on their tips.
strategy
Fish body is a swimming tonguechannel catfish
The body of the channel catfish is sensitive to food particles in the water because it is covered in taste buds.
strategy
Burning stimulates floweringgrass trees
Flowering of grass trees following a fire may be triggered by a huge release of ethylene gas as the trees burn.
strategy
Hunting in the darkpiranha
Eyes of piranhas can see in dark, murky waters because they can detect far-red light.
strategy
Snout detects pressurestar-nosed mole
The snout of talpids can detect pressure and other sensory input thanks to the Eimer's gland, a mechanosensory organ.
strategy
Marking unrewarding routespharaoh ant
Foraging members of Pharaoh ant colonies guide fellow foragers away from unrewarding routes via a repellent pheromone.
strategy
Eyes allow periscopic visionghost crabs
The eyes of ghost crabs allow 360? vision because they are positioned on mobile stalks.
strategy
Congregating and physical stimulation trigger swarmingdesert locusts
Solitary forms of desert locusts transform into those that swarm when environmental conditions force the locusts to congregate in groups, increasing physical stimulation that sets off a metabolic and behavioral cascade.
strategy
Feet sensitive to sweetnessbutterfly
The feet of butterflies taste sweetness using extremely sensitive taste hairs.
strategy
Roots recruit symbiotic soil bacteriaMaize
The roots of maize defend against phytopathogens by releasing a pesticide that also attracts a beneficial microbe that preys on the target pest.
strategy
Periodic emergence synchronizedcicadas
The emergence of cicadas may be triggered by their sensing of cyclical cues from nearby tree roots.
strategy
Navigation underwaterwhales
Whales navigate with incredible accuracy underwater using Earth's magnetic fields.
strategy
Wing scales help camouflage from sonarmoth
The scales on moth wings help camouflage them from predatory bats because their uneven shape prevents the bats' sonar from detecting them clearly.
strategy
Vibrations alert others to dangerelephants
Elephants alert others to danger with low-frequency vibrations created by stomping their feet.
strategy
Temporary chemical signals guide otherssolitary bees
Some species of bees send signals to other bees via temporary scent marks.
strategy
Sensitivity encourages return to hive before stormbees
Bees protect themselves from approaching storms by sensing electromagnetic waves.
strategy
Legs detect airborne vibrationsspiders
The legs of some spiders detect airborne vibrations of approaching insects thanks to specialized vibration-sensitive hairs, called trichobothria, on certain leg segments.
strategy
Flowers selectively deter insectsacacia
Flowers of some acacia plants attract pollinators while deterring protective symbiotic ants through the use of volatile organic compounds.
strategy
Eyes see 300 images per seconddragonfly
The eyes of dragonflies sense motion well due to high flicker-fusion frequency.
strategy
Leaves disorient beetles, prevent attackcucumber
The leaves of cucumbers prevent infestation by beetles by releasing a chemical that mimics that of female beetles, disorienting the males.
strategy
Light helps capture insectsglow worms
Special organs in glow worms help lure insects to their sticky silk threads using bioluminescence.
strategy
Heat creates precise shapesbees
The body heat of bees helps create precise angles and size within honeycombs via use of thermoplastic wax.
strategy
Gular pouch used to attract matefrigatebird
Male frigatebirds attract mates with an elastic, red gular pouch that is inflatable.
strategy
Tusks sense chemicalsNarwhal
The tusks of male narwhals may detect chemicals related to ice formation, salinity, or prey using a vast network of fluid-filled tubules connected to the tusk's central nerve.
strategy
Bacteria use chemical signals to communicatebacteria
Bacteria sense each other using chemicals to determine local density.
strategy
Senses help avoid stormsswifts
Swifts can avoid electrical storms by sensing atmospheric ionization prior to a storm's arrival.
strategy
Navigating without landmarksrock pigeon
Homing pigeons navigate without the Sun or other landmarks as guides because they use magnetosensitivity to detect their location.
strategy
Mosquitoes detect carbon dioxidemalarial mosquitoes
The olfactory system of malarial mosquitoes detects carbon dioxide from potential hosts via a sensory mouth appendage, called a maxillary palp.
strategy
Feathers aid prey detectionsaw-whet owl
The flattened feathers around the eyes of a saw-whet owl aid the detection of prey because they funnel sound.
strategy
Herd finds fresh foodwildebeests
Wildebeests find new food resources by detecting areas of rainfall from afar.
strategy
Communicating over long distancescassowaries
Cassowaries communicate over long distances in dense rainforest using low frequency booming sounds.
strategy
Roots stabilize trees against windlongleaf pine
Roots of longleaf pine protect from strong winds by forming both large anchoring taproots and a widespread lateral root system.
strategy
Movements aerate soilshort-beaked echidna
The echidna respires while buried underground by using its snout to move the soil around its head, enabling access to the air trapped between soil particles.
strategy
Tongue moves fastchameleons
The tongue of chameleons and the Mount Lyell salamander accelerates at ballistic speeds even in cold weather using an elastic recoil mechanism.
strategy
Dense underfur insulatesreindeer
The coat of a reindeer insulates against polar cold with the help of dense underfur that traps air.
strategy
Large ears used to cool offjackrabbit
The large ears of the jackrabbit are used in cooling, radiating heat via an extensive network of blood vessels.
strategy
Fur absorbs infrared radiation to prevent heat losspolar bear
Guard hairs on the polar bear prevent heat loss by absorbing heat in the form of infrared radiation.
strategy
Leaves communicate pest damageplants
The leaves of some plants protect from pests because as they are chewed, they release a chemical combination of acids and alcohols that attract pest-eating insects.
strategy
Appendage strikes with amplified speedmantis shrimp
The raptorial appendage of the mantis shrimp strikes with tremendous speed and force through power amplification.
strategy
Wings fold multiple times without wearbeetles
Wings of beetles fold multiple times without wear or fatigue by having resilin in key joints.
strategy
Teeth are self-sharpeningAmerican beaver
The teeth of beavers self-sharpen because their inner surface is softer than the outer enamel and wears away faster to create a sharp edge.
strategy
Wings allow escape from spider websbutterflies
The wings of butterflies and moths help them escape spider webs and other predators because they have scales that easily detach.
strategy
Tail shedding allows escaperodents
The tails of many rodents assist escape from predators because they can be shed.
strategy
Relationship provides nutrients, housing, protectionbull horn acacia and acacia ants
Bullhorn acacias provide nutrients and housing for ants in return for protection from herbivores thanks to a mutualistic relationship.
strategy
Dikes prevent floodingground squirrel
The underground burrows of ground squirrels are protected from flooding during rain storms because the squirrels build circular dikes to divert water.
strategy
Native plants persist in changing conditionswetland ecosystems
Some native plant species in wetlands have long-term persistence despite fluctuating water levels because they have long-lived seeds deposited in the soil seed bank.
strategy
Relationship provides nutrients, protectionant-plants and ants
Ant-plants and their ant lodgers gain nutrients and protection thanks to their mutualistic relationship.
strategy
Worm tolerates temperature gradient of 140 deg FPompeii worm
Pompeii worms tolerate the steepest temperature gradient on the planet using multiple strategies.
strategy
Eyes squirt bloodhorned lizard
Blood-filled sinuses within the eye sockets of horned lizards squirt blood in self-defense by swelling and rupturing.
strategy
Compounds control 'weeds'fine-leaf fescue
Roots of fine-leaf fescue help them outcompete other plants because they release growth-inhibiting chemicals that mimic nutrients.
strategy
Trees have extreme longevitybristlecone pine
Bristlecone pines can survive for thousands of years in harsh environments by shutting down non-essential processes.
strategy
Skin glands accumulate protective toxins from preyEleutherodactylus orientalis
The tiny Cuban frog, Eleutherodactylus orientalis, protects itself from predators by consuming toxin-laden oribatid mites and sequestering the toxins in its skin.
strategy
Defensive measures prevent toxicity of heavy metalsthale cress
Cells of thale cress protect themselves from dissolved heavy metals by releasing compounds that bind the metal ions or neutralize the destructive substances they spawn.
strategy
Catch-bonds hold on tighter when pulled apartsalmonella
Salmonella bacteria grip their host more tenaciously when pulled apart because complex adhesive proteins change their structure as stronger force is applied.
strategy
Immune system protects from toxinhorse mackerel
The immune system of the horse mackerel allows it to hide among the tentacles of the man-of-war via toxin immunity.
strategy
Plant poison neutralizes digestive juicescotton grass
The poison produced by cotton grass protects them from lemmings by neutralizing digestive juices, leading to lemming starvation.
strategy
Leaves protect from herbivoryAustralian stinging tree
The leaves of the Australian stinging tree and other plants protect themselves from herbivory with venomous stinging hairs.
strategy
Fish thrives in freshwater and seawaterAtlantic salmon
Salmon can spend part of their lives in freshwater and part in seawater due to adaptive changes in their physiology.
strategy
Deployable web distracts predatorsblanket octopus
The membrane attached to some arms of the blanket octopus serves as a defense mechanism because it expands to distract predators and can be shed if necessary.
strategy
Leaves deter herbivorybirch trees
The leaves of some birch trees may help deter herbivory by adsorbing arthropod-repelling chemical compounds emitted from neighboring plants.
strategy
Sharp teeth always availablenurse sharks
The teeth of nurse sharks are always sharp and effective because new rows of teeth develop constantly to replace older, worn down teeth.
strategy
Selective strategies aid competitive successmangrove forests
Mangrove forests successfully compete for resources by exhibiting both r-selected (pioneer) and K-selected (competitive) attributes.
strategy
Branches survive intense windlive oak
Live oaks survive strong winds because of high wood strength and a low canopy that branches out in multiple subdivisions without a main axis.
strategy
Branches protect plant from windArctic willow
Stems and branches of Arctic willow protect from strong winds via horizontal growth.
strategy
Ink cloud distracts predatorsoctopus
The ink cloud emitted by an octopus when threatened aids escape because it resembles the shape of the octopus.
strategy
Buttressing resists uprootingEnglish oak
Roots of broad-based trees with stiff trunks resist uprooting through compressive buttressing.
strategy
Social system protects from diseasedampwood termites
Members of termite colonies transfer immunity among colony members via a sort of social vaccination.
strategy
Collaboration benefits multiple participantsmangrove forests
Several species of epiphytes, ants, fungi, and butterflies in mangrove forests provide benefits to each other through mutualism.
strategy
Guard cells regulate gas and moisture exchangeplants
Stomatal pores in plants regulate the amount of water and solutes within them by opening and closing their guard cells using osmotic pressure.
resource
The Hidden Power of AnimalsKarl Shuker
A fascinating look at the astonishing behavior and super-human abilities of animals, from kings of the jungle to household pets. This book reveals incredible truths about animals and their remarkable sensitivities, skills, and strengths.
resource
Weird NatureJohn Downer
Some of the most fantastic behaviors of real animals are explored in this beautifully illustrated companion volume to a BBC/ Discovery Channel series.
resource
Living in a Material WorldNational Geographic
This 4-min video shows how the MIT Self-Assembly Lab is creating materials that can adapt to changing conditions and self-assemble, similar to nature's materials.
resource
Biomimicry Inspired ThinkingInterface
Four architects and designers discuss how they apply biomimicry to their designs and how they went from inspiration to deeper learning and ultimately application to their work.
resource
The Story of Life in PhotographsFrans Lanting, TED2005
This beautiful TED talk by nature photographer Frans Lanting tells the story of our planet starting with its eruptive beginnings and revealing the story of the evolution of life.
resource
Biomimicry: Systems that WorkEllen MacArthur Foundation, Disruptive Innovation Festival
Janine Benyus and Michael Pawlyn discuss how biomimicry is used to emulate biological systems for more sustainable human-made ones. The presentation is followed by Q&A.
resource
Causal Patterns in EcosystemsHarvard Undergraduate School of Education
This curriculum addresses six broad and persistent misunderstandings students have about ecosystems. It's filled with lessons, activities, materials for activities, and background information for educators.
resource
Creating Local Solutions to Global Problems: Instructional Storyline for the Biomimicry Youth Design ChallengeBiomimicry Institute
This project storyline is a suggested sequence of connected lessons that guides students through a learning journey to complete the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge.
resource
Creating a Bio-Industrial Revolution | Janine BenyusTED Archive
Janine Benyus speaks about how biomimicry can shape new approaches to materials and manufacturing.
resource
The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps.Vox and 99% Invisible
This 6 minute video introduces biomimicry, the application of biomimicry at different scales, and connections to the circular economy.
resource
Introduction to Biomimicry: Foundational courseBiomimicry 3.8
In this 3 hour online course, you will learn the core philosophy and key elements of biomimicry as practiced by the consultancy Biomimicry 3.8.
resource
Biomimicry & Science: Applying Nature’s StrategiesBiomimicry Institute & EcoRise
A high school science curriculum that reinforces core concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics, and includes a biomimicry design challenge.
resource
AskNature NuggetsBiomimicry Institute
AskNature Nuggets present biological strategies and their corresponding function in a series of short and fun videos.
resource
Biomimicry ToolboxBiomimicry Institute
A self-paced online guide to applying nature’s lessons to design challenges.
resource
Michael Pawlyn: Using nature’s genius in architectureTED Talks
At TEDSalon in London, architect Michael Pawlyn describes three habits of nature that could transform architecture and society.
resource
Learn BiomimicryBiomimicrySA
Learn the fundamentals of biomimicry and Life's Principles in this series of 3 online courses.
resource
Lo—TEK. Design by Radical IndigenismJulia Watson
This book explores the idea that the forward-thinking solutions we need may lie not in new technologies, but in a symbiotic relationship with nature that has been modeled by indigenous communities around the world for millennia.
resource
SeekBy iNaturalist
This app uses the power of image recognition technology to help you identify the plants and animals all around you.
resource
iNaturalistCalifornia Academy of Sciences & National Geographic
A website for citizen science and nature appreciation where you can record what you observe in nature, crowdsource organism identifications, and build knowledge about the natural world.
resource
Nature’s Innovations: Animals as EngineersShape of Life
This lesson, with videos, examines how animals have solved engineering problems and how humans have mimicked those solutions. Suitable for Grade 7-12.
resource
The Power of Community Inspired by NatureTEDx: Saskia van den Muijsenberg
Saskia van den Muijsenberg, founder of BiomimicryNL (Netherlands), talks about what we can learn from nature to help us with community initiatives.
resource
Map of Life: Convergent Evolution OnlineUniversity of Cambridge
Map of Life provides information about convergent evolution, when unrelated organisms evolve similar adaptations to similar environmental or selective pressures. This is a great resource when looking for biological strategies that are used repeatedly in the natural world.
strategy
Bubbles corral preyhumpback whale
Humpback whales control movement of prey by blowing spiraling nets of bubbles underwater.
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