strategy
Mechanism concentrates inorganic carbondiatoms
Diatoms assimilate inorganic carbon via a carbon concentration mechanism.
strategy
Organisms concentrate carbon dioxidegreen algae
Algae concentrate carbon dioxide to fix CO2 more efficiently, possibly using one or more HCO3- transporter proteins.
strategy
Dermal bone buffers CO2-induced acidosisturtle
Dermal bone in turtles reduces acidity resulting from carbon dioxide build up by releasing calcium and magnesium carbonates into the bloodstream.
idea
Novomer carbon dioxide-based plasticsNovomer, LLC
Polycarbonate plastics made from carbon dioxide
strategy
Metabolism induces formation of calcium carbonateAlternaria
Metabolism in Alternaria fungi sequestrate carbon dioxide by forming calcium carbonate through the assimilation of nitrate.
strategy
Photosynthesis makes useful organic compounds out of CO2plants
Photosynthesis in plants makes useful organic compounds out of carbon dioxide through carbon-fixation reactions.
strategy
Micro-compartment converts carbon dioxidecyanobacteria
Carbonic anhydrases in cyanobacteria interconvert CO2 and bicarbonate by entrapping proteins in confined micro-compartment.
strategy
Storing carbon and energybacteria
Bacteria store carbon and energy by synthesizing a polymer known as poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB.
strategy
Calcium oxalate formation sequesters carbon dioxidesaguaro cactus
Cacti sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide by converting it to oxalate and combining it with soil-derived calcium ions which ultimately lead to the formation of solid calcium carbonate.
strategy
Leaf traits and functions adapt to demands of local nicheplants
Plants maximize photosynthetic returns on investments in leaf production by adopting strategies that cater to the demands of their biological surroundings.
strategy
Photosynthesis with low CO2peatland plants
Plants in calcareous peatlands photosynthesize in low CO2 levels by taking up bicarbonate and converting it to CO2.
idea
Calera MAP cement-making processCalera
Mineralization via Aqueous Precipitation (MAP) process sequesters CO2
strategy
Mound facilitates gas exchangemound-building termites
The structure of above-ground macrotermite mounds facilitates gas exchange in the below-ground nest using internal air currents driven by solar heat.
strategy
Air flow patterns facilitate efficient gas exchangeBirds
The respiratory system of birds facilitates efficient exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen via continuous unidirectional airflow and air sacs
strategy
Stems move airPhragmites australis
Dead stems of Phragmites australis move air to shoot and root meristems by use of differential air pressure.
strategy
Enzyme harnesses energy from carbon dioxideacetogen bacteria
strategy
Disturbances maintain habitatScandinavian heath and beech forests
Scandinavian subalpine and alpine habitats are maintained when they continue to experience pulsed disturbances.
strategy
Ecosystems have stability and biodiversitysavannas
Mature savannahs maintain stability and biodiversity by forming a complex mosaic of patches, each of which is composed of many niches.
strategy
Pigment molecules absorb and transfer solar energyCooke's koki'o
Pigment molecules in plants absorb and transfer solar energy using a special arrangement that funnels light toward a reaction center.
strategy
Photovoltaic pigments harvest solar energyOriental hornet
Pigments in the oriental hornet’s cuticle absorb solar energy that is turned into electrical energy.
strategy
Increased surface area improves gas exchangehuman
Alveoli in lungs improve gas exchange by increasing the surface area of the lungs.
strategy
Baleen plates filter foodblue whale
The mouths of whales filter krill for food via sheets of feathered horn, or baleen.
strategy
Lungs efficiently expel airfin whale
Lungs of whales efficiently expel air via powerful exhalations.
strategy
Ears convert energymammals
The hairs in mammalian ears convert motion into electrical energy and back in order to amplify sound via the prestin protein.
strategy
Bacteria use hydrogen as energythermal pool microbes
Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria metabolize hydrogen from their environment to use as energy
idea
Synthetic solar storageSun Catalytix
Photosynthetically inspired energy storage & artificial photosynthesis.
strategy
Parasitic worms dampen immune system responsehumans
Infestation of humans by parasitic worms (helminths) induces a dampened immunological response in human beings.
strategy
Ecosystem has long-term sustainabilitydehesa ecosystem
Dehesas maintain a diversity of products and long-term ecological sustainability by sub-optimization of resources.