strategy
Fibers contract and relaxspiders
Dragline silk fibers in spider webs help maintain web tension under weight by contracting and relaxing in response to humidity.
strategy
Biopolymer stops shell growthoyster
Polyaspartate is a biopolymer in oysters that stops growth of shells by inhibiting growth of excess calcium carbonate.
strategy
Liver survives cold temperaturessquirrel
Livers of squirrels survive cold temperatures during hibernation by maintaining microcirculation.
strategy
Habitat mosaics stop firesbeaver
Beavers reduce fire impacts in spruce stands by creating a mosaic of habitats that act as natural firebreaks.
strategy
Branches protect by breakingCaribbean stony coral
Branches of Caribbean stony coral protect the core colony by programmed breakage.
strategy
Mouthparts pierces through hippo hidesAfrican biting flies
The mouthparts of African biting flies can pierce tough hippopotamus hides due to their ultra-strong, needle-like structure.
idea
The Fit scooterEco-Movement, Ernst-Jan Mul Bio Inspired Design
Adaptable electric scooter fits in its environment
strategy
Groups move efficientlyarmy ants
Army ants move efficiently in large numbers by maintaining three lanes of traffic; two outer lanes travel opposite the inner lane and are governed by behavioral differences related to possession of food.
strategy
Plasma maintains salt balancecrab-eating frog
The plasma of crab-eating frogs allows them to survive in salt water by topping up the ionic concentration with non-ionic solute urea.
strategy
Armor protects from predatorsarmadillo
The body of armadillo protects from predators via flexible armor plating.
strategy
Intricate silica architecture survives forcesdiatoms
Silica-based skeletons of microscopic diatoms offer significant resistance to impact forces due to symmetry, pores, nanospheres, and ribs.
strategy
Rolling into a ball for protectionarmadillo
Armadillos and other creatures protect themselves from predators by rolling into a ball and reducing their surface area.
strategy
Nest cells support heavy weightsbees and wasps
Hives of bees and wasps support heavy weights using hexagonal cells in offset positions.
strategy
Bodies stay warm in cold waterskipjack tuna
Bodies of skipjack tuna stay warmer because of counter-current heat exchange system.
strategy
Mound passively heats/coolscompass termite
Mounds of compass termites provide heating and cooling at appropriate times of day thanks to orientation with respect to the sun.
strategy
Flexibility allows twisting, not bending, in windsedges
The stems of sedges twist rather than bend in the wind due to their torsional flexibility.
strategy
Beak protects during divescape gannet
The beak of a gannet allows it to dive deeply at high speed because it lacks external nostrils.
strategy
Environment tailors growthorganisms
An organism's size is limited and is the result of numerous environmental and geometric factors.
strategy
Cocoon provides hard, protective casingpuss moth
Cocoons of puss moths form a hard, protective casing because they are made of labial silk and bark fragments.
strategy
Membranes avoid freezingbacteria
Membranes of some microbes continue to allow diffusion at cold temperatures by having a special fatty composition that keep them relatively fluid.
strategy
Intestine osmoregulatesmarine teleosts
The intestine of marine teleosts osmoregulates in part due to Cl-/HCO3- exchange.
strategy
Fungal gardens kept free of 'weeds'leaf-cutter ants
The fungus gardens grown by leaf-cutter ants are kept free of unwanted fungi and bacteria using multiple antimicrobial compounds concurrently.
strategy
Mutualistic relationship is maintainedfig tree and fig wasp
The mutually beneficial relationship between figs and fig wasps is maintained via sanctions for deviating behavior.
strategy
Biological processes continue at glacial temperaturesice worm
Physiological processes in ice worms allow them to survive and function in glacial ice thanks to an increase in adenylate nucleotides and other metabolic adaptations.
idea
Virus BatteryMassachusetts Institute of Technology (Belcher Lab), University of Maryland
Growing Batteries
strategy
Tastiness protects seeds from beetlesacacia
Seeds of Acacia trees survive attacks by parasitic beetles by attracting herbivores whose digestive juices kill the parasites' larvae.
strategy
Diet diversity affects healthhoneybees
Immunocompetence of honeybees is maintained with a diverse diet.
strategy
Swimming efficientlysharks
Sharks are efficient swimmers in part due to their complex hydroskeleton.
strategy
Leaves fold in response to touchsensitive plant
Leaves of the sensitive plant protect themselves from predators and environmental conditions by folding in response to touch.
strategy
Seed dispersal aids recovery from disturbancetropical rain forests
Recovery of tropical rain forests after disturbance depends upon the dispersal of seeds by fruit-eating vertebrates.
strategy
Carotid rete cools brainThomson's gazelle
The carotid rete of the Thomson's gazelle cools its brain via counter-current heat exchange.
strategy
Head protected from minor impactscassowaries
The head of cassowaries may be protected from impact as they traverse dense forest thanks to a foam-like 'helmet' with keratinized covering.
strategy
Feathers protect from waterGentoo penguin
The feathers of penguins prevent water from penetrating to the skin due to their stiff, tightly packed structure.
strategy
Cuticle acts as cooling mechanismOriental hornet
The cuticle of wasps provides a cooling mechanism by use of hairs, thin layers, and tracheal branches.
strategy
Ecosystems recover from disturbancecoral reefs
The reorganization of coral reefs after disturbances depends on surviving individuals, spatial distribution, mobile link organisms, and import of larvae from outside the area.
strategy
Ecosystems recover from disturbanceforests
Forests and other ecosystems can return to their predisturbance composition and struture through the presence of biological legacies, mobile links, and support areas.
idea
Mechanically adaptive polymer nanocompositesCase Western Reserve University
Dynamic materials change mechanical properties
strategy
Jaws swallow eggs wholeegg-eating snakes
The jaws of a snake found in Africa allow it to subsist solely on eggs, which it can swallow whole thanks to multibar linkages.
strategy
Jaw swallows large preypythons
The jaws of pythons allow the snakes to swallow huge prey because of their multibar linkages.
strategy
Bulging proboscis amplifies soundsouthern elephant seal
The proboscis of the male elephant seal amplifies calls by bulging using a combination of air, blood, and muscle.
strategy
Wings are deployablebeetles
The wings of beetles are folded and stored under fore-wings and deploy for flight thanks to sprung wing joints.
strategy
Mutant gene flattens leavessnapdragon
Mutant gene of snapdragons enhances photosynthesis by causing leaves to grow flat through uniform cell growth.
strategy
Heat creates precise shapesbees
The body heat of bees helps create precise angles and size within honeycombs via use of thermoplastic wax.
strategy
Structural composition provides strength in changing conditionsplants
The cell walls of vascular plants provide mechanical strength during different stages of growth by adjusting their structural composition.
strategy
Shooting snout snags preysling-jaw wrasse
The snout of the sling-jaw wrasse captures prey using multibar linkages to shoot its jaw out at high speed.
strategy
Reflectance causes white colorcabbage butterfly
The wings of the cabbage butterfly are white due to longitudinal ridges and cross-ribs studded with ovoid beads.
idea
Self-cleaning surfaceUniversity of Florida Materials Science & Engineering Department
Non-stick surface without chemicals
strategy
Nests are durable and humidbees
The flower petal nests of Osmia avosetta bees are durable and humid because of their multi-layer design, with a hard layer sandwiched between organic layers.
strategy
Skin detects thermal signalsblacktip reef shark
The skin of the blacktip reef shark enables it to locate prey via a gel that detects thermoelectric signals.
strategy
Ribbon-like roots absorb moistureTaeniophyllum orchid
The roots of Taeniophyllum orchids absorb moisture efficiently via flat, ribbon-like shape.
strategy
Flotation in turbulent watersHeteropterid bugs
Water insects maintain flotation in turbulent waters thanks to an undersurface coating of water-repellent hairs.
idea
CAO and SKO design softwareDepartment of Biomechanics at the Institute for Materials Research II of the Karlsruhe Research Centre
Lightweighting software reduces resource use, saves energy
strategy
Tree and grass savanna maintains equilibriumTransvaal savanna
Grasses and trees in the Transvaal savanna coexist by tapping different parts of the soil for water.
strategy
Nature maintains biodiversityecosystems
Natural ecosystems react to low biodiversity levels by exploiting unused or poorly used resources to increase biodiversity.
strategy
Pattern diversityforest floor
Leaves on a forest floor create aesthetically seamless surfaces by exhibiting organized chaos.
strategy
Microbial biodiversity maintainedheather moorland
The soil microbial community of heather moorlands is kept in balance by above-ground ecosystem engineers.
strategy
Fungal root-rot renews forestmountain hemlock forests
Fungal root-rot renews mountain hemlock forests by causing nitrogen release.
strategy
Food web complexity increases along gradientdune ecosystem
The complexity of food webs in sandy dune ecosystems increases along productivity gradients, with feedback loops governing the stability of the system.
strategy
Canopies enhance species diversitywetland ecosystems
Different kinds of plant canopies in wetlands enable great species diversity by providing a variety of microenvironments.
strategy
Internal pressure provides supportpotato
Cellular structure of potato creates high internal pressure.
strategy
Moving in tune with body sizepenicillate jellyfish
The bell of the penicillate jellyfish increases amplitude of movement by 40% and decreases energy use by around 25% by moving at resonant frequency to body size.
strategy
Colonies maintain temperature and humiditySouth American grass-cutting ant
Colonies of South American grass-cutting ants maintain temperature and humidity via a thatched nest and systematic arrangement of nest material.
strategy
Probing for foodcopperband butterfly fish
The snout of the copperband butterfly fish probes for food in the crevices thanks to its tubular shape, bristle-like teeth.
strategy
Blood cells protect from dehydrationdromedary camel
The red blood cells of the dromedary camel protect it from dehydration because the oval-shaped cells can circulate even in thick blood and can significantly expand during rehydration.
strategy
Eardrums provide directional hearinga parasitic fly
The eardrums of a parasitic fly can help locate its host through sound thanks to the see-saw shape of the membranes.
strategy
Staggered flowering times increase likelihood of pollinationPeatland Ericad Plants
Staggered flowering times among ericad peatland plants increase likelihood of successful pollination by reducing competition for scarce pollinators.
strategy
Shape distributes stresssea urchin
The shell of sea urchins prevent cracking and breaking via oblate shape.
strategy
Leaves have elasticity, shape memoryresurrection fern
Leaves of the resurrection fern regain shape after dehydration due to hierarchical structure of palisade and spongy layers.
strategy
Shell alters buoyancygreen turtle
The shell of some sea turtles allows for different levels of buoyancy for juveniles and adults by changing shape.
strategy
Blades balance drag reduction and solar exposureKelp
Blades of bull kelp balance drag reduction and sunlight exposure in different flow environments via changes in width and flatness.
strategy
Shape-shifting aids swimmingbacteria
Body of bacteria moves through water by shape-shifting.
strategy
Egg shape prevents fallsguillemots
strategy
Structure and shape provide flexibilityvines
Architecture of vines increases flexibility via soft tissue components and ribbon-like shape.
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
Mounds shed waterWest African termites
Mounds of West African termites are built to shed water via mushroom-like shape.
strategy
Predatory fish maintain ecosystem functionslake ecosystem
Predatory fish maintain lake ecosystems by keeping trophic cascade levels in equilibrium.
strategy
Body shape and position direct water currentblack flies
The larvae of black flies direct water currents to create conditions favorable to gathering and filtering food by adjusting the shape and position of their body and foldable, food-trapping mouth fans.
strategy
Hydrological regimes maintain organismsstreams
Streams maintain aquatic organisms by maintaining natural hydrological regimes.
strategy
Change increases aerodynamic performancecommon swift
Wings of gliding birds increase aerodynamic performance by continuously changing shape and size.
strategy
Disturbances help maintain diversitywestern hemlock-Sitka spruce forests
Western hemlock-Sitka spruce forests maintain diversity partly thanks to wind disturbance patterns.
strategy
Supportive gel enables extreme shape changesea anemone
The supportive gel-like substance (mesoglea) of sea anemones allows extreme shape changing due to its viscoelasticity.
strategy
Seedpod autorotatessycamore
Samara of the sycamore autorotates due to curved shape.
strategy
Leaves protect from the elementsconifers
The leaves of conifers protect from drought, snow and cold by employing unique design elements, including a needle shape, thick waxy rinds, and pores set in deep grooves in the needles.
strategy
Weak leaves deal with strong windsplants
The leaves of trees deal with strong winds by adjusting their configurations in order to reduce exposure and limit flutter.
strategy
Roots attach firmlyEnglish ivy
Roots of English ivy can attach to nearly any surface using a multi-step attachment strategy involving glue and shape-changing root hairs.
strategy
Elaborate stigmas capture pollen grainsgrasses
The stigmas of grasses capture flying pollen due to their elaborate shape.
strategy
Round shape reduces water losspebble plants
The rounded shape of the leaves of pebble plants minimizes evaporation due to its low surface area relative to volume.
strategy
Disturbances maintain heterogeneityGreat Plains mesic grasslands
Bison and fires in grasslands maintain heterogeneity by interacting to create patch grazing.
strategy
Leaf shapes optimize sunlightOlive tree
Leaves of olive trees optimize sunlight harvesting by differing in shape and being flexible to changing conditions
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
Bill reduces dragblack skimmer
The bill of a skimmer bird reduces drag because it is laterally flattened.
strategy
Design features aid efficient attachmentlice
Lice adhere to their hosts' skin using strong claws and flat bodies.
strategy
Disturbances maintain habitatScandinavian heath and beech forests
Scandinavian subalpine and alpine habitats are maintained when they continue to experience pulsed disturbances.
strategy
Hydroskeleton changes shaperibbon worms
The movement of ribbon worms is governed by the fiber arrangement of their hydrostatic skeleton.
strategy
Tentacles maintain tension as flow increasesmarine polychaete worm
The tentacles of a marine polychaete worm maintain tension as flow increases by extending through a combination of muscular and passive actions.
strategy
Body changes shapesea anemone
The central cavity of sea anemones is reinflated by water pumping in at low pressures thanks to ciliary pumps.
strategy
White blood cells adhere closelymammals
White blood cells of mammals adhere tightly to target cells by increasing their surface area using arm-like projections and shape deformation.
strategy
Membranes maintain salt balancecrab-eating frog
Membranes of crab-eating frog tadpoles allow them to survive in salt water via active ion transport.
strategy
Vascular lining helps maintain body temperatureleatherback sea turtle
The vascular lining in the trachea of adult leatherback sea turtles helps them maintain body temperature while foraging in cold water via counter-current exchange.
strategy
Double-layered ball assists spore dispersalearthstar fungus
The double-layered ball of an earth-star fungus launches spores by splitting its outer skin, turning it inside out, and using it to push the second sphere and its contents up and out.
strategy
Systems allow changes in mechanical propertiesorganisms
Systems in nature allow organisms to change shape or their mechanical properties without changing the properties of given materials thanks to articulated struts.
strategy
Ecosystem has long-term sustainabilitydehesa ecosystem
Dehesas maintain a diversity of products and long-term ecological sustainability by sub-optimization of resources.
strategy
Asymmetric burrow openings create passive ventilationprairie dog
Differences in position and shape of burrow openings of black-tailed prairie dogs create passive ventilation from wind energy by altering air pressure.
strategy
Body shape reduces frictiondolphin
The body of the dolphin has low friction in water by having an optimal length to diameter ratio.
strategy
Tail prevents sinkingsturgeons
Tails of sharks and sturgeons keep these heavy-bodied animals from sinking because they are assymetrical and produce an upward-directed torque.
strategy
Shape of feather shafts protect from windbirds
The shafts of feathers and petioles of leaves protect from wind by having non-circular cross sections.
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
Pollen survives extreme dehydrationflowering plants
Pollen of flowering plants can survive extreme dehydration via several mechanisms, including a reversible wall-folding pathway that results in complete impermeability.
strategy
Folding allows compact shapehornbeam
Leaves of hornbeam and beech leaves are protected inside buds by compact folding.
strategy
Feet maintain tractionmountain goat
The feet of mountain goats maintain traction when climbing using cloven hooves with a hard outer shell and soft, flexible inner pads, as well as slip-stopping dewclaws.
strategy
Shell changes shapepancake tortoise
The shell of the pancake tortoise allows it to wedge into small spaces by being flexible at the bridges.
strategy
Skin aids movementworms
The skin of a worm allows it to move and change shape by having fibers wound in a cross-helical form around and along its body.
strategy
Swim bladder helps maintain buoyancyray-finned fish
Swim bladders of fish at depth help maintain buoyancy by regulating gas levels.
strategy
Boxfish shape promotes maneuverabilityspotted boxfish
The shape of the boxfish controls water flow around the body to promote maneuverability.
strategy
Pouch stores seedClark's nutcracker
The throat of the Clark's nutcracker can temporarily store up to 150 small seeds thanks to an expandable pouch.
strategy
Cone scales are humidity-sensitivepine
The scales of pine cones flex passively in response to changes in moisture levels via a two-layered structure.
strategy
Support cells resist compressionnasturtium
The leaf stalks of Nasturtiums resist compression via orthotetrakaidecahedron-shaped support cells.
strategy
Excavating behavior increases ecosystem biodiversityred grouper
Excavating behavior of red groupers increases biodiversity in reef communities because they create and maintain habitats.
strategy
Fins provide streamlined shapetuna
Fins of ocean-going fish such as tuna are streamlined because they fit close to the body in depressions and grooves when not needed.
strategy
Shape shades and enhances heat radiationcactus
Cacti stay cool by having ribs that provide shade and enhance heat radiation.
strategy
Camouflage reduces herbivorypebble plants
The flat, rounded leaves and underground growth of pebble plants may protect them from herbivory by serving as camouflage.
strategy
Guard hairs form waterproof barrierseals
The guard hairs of seals form a waterproof barrier due, in part, to their flattened shape.
strategy
Footpads manage increasing body massmammals
The footpads of mammals maintain functional integrity as body mass increases through changes in geometry and material properties.
strategy
Bones self-healvertebrates
Osteoclasts/osteoblasts of bones maintain skeletal homeostasis by resorbing bone/forming newly synthesized matrix.
strategy
Flexibility reduces dragdaffodil
The flowers of daffodils twist in the wind, reducing drag because of their torsional flexibility due to stem noncircularity.
strategy
Covering protects eyepied kingfisher
The eye of the pied kingfisher is protected during high speed water entry via a bony plate.
strategy
Foam builds shelter, provides waterJapanese flying frog
Nests of flying frogs protect eggs and tadpoles due to protective foam that dissolves to create an interior pool of water.
strategy
Leaves channel watersacred fig
The leaves of sacred figs channel water off their surface via unique shape, called drip tips.
strategy
Uterus expands/contractsmammals
The uterus of female mammals can expand and contract to accommodate its contents thanks to spiral muscle fibers in its central myometrial layer.
strategy
Environmental disturbance promotes diversitywet prairie ecosystem
Grasses of wet prairies in South Florida thrive by being adapted to fire during the growing season.
strategy
Natural disturbances enhance heterogeneityforest ecosystems
The heterogeneity of forest ecosystems is enhanced by natural disturbances that create canopy gaps.
strategy
Worm tolerates temperature gradient of 140 deg FPompeii worm
Pompeii worms tolerate the steepest temperature gradient on the planet using multiple strategies.
strategy
Shrub maintains biodiversityBanksia
Scrubland ecosystem depends on a shrub, Banksia, to maintain multiple ecological functions through mutualism.
strategy
Microtopographic relief fosters diversitywetland ecosystems
Wetlands create diversity by having microtopographic relief that creates microhabitats for plants and animals.
strategy
Antennae enhance odor detectiongiant silkworm moths
The antennae of silkworm moths increase sensitivity to odors because the shape and structure of sensillae direct air flow through them.
strategy
Fruiting tree holds key role in forestCaesaria tree
The Caesaria tree helps maintain diversity and prevent extinctions in its forest ecosystem because it produces fruit to sustain several animal species through times of scarcity.
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
Bacteria fight fungusleafcutter ants
Fungal gardens of leafcutter ants are free of undesired, parasitic fungus due to presence of symbiotic Streptomyces bacteria.
strategy
Low-energy perchingmousebird
Mousebirds are able to perch without energy use thanks to an anatomical locking device.
strategy
Curved spine deals with tensionsloth
The spine of a sloth supports its body weight under tension via curved shape.
strategy
Ecosystem demonstrates sustainability
Prairie ecosystems maintain soil and water quality and nutrient cycling because they are perennial and have diversity.
strategy
Species diversity maintains grasslandsTanzania's Serengeti Plain
The species diversity of grazers and plants helps maintain grasslands by offering a menu of plants of different palatabilities.
strategy
Mouthpart functions changebutterfly
The mouthparts of a caterpillar and its butterfly serve drastically different functions with minimal energy loss because they arise from the same basic morphological pattern.
strategy
Insect elytra resist shear and crackingbeetles
Elytra of beetles maintain integrity of their two layers by transforming forces through connecting bio-nails.
strategy
Ion release causes contractionprotozoan Vorticella convallaria
The stalk (spasmoneme) of the V. convallaria protozoan contracts via release of calcium ions.
strategy
Furry bracts serve as insulationlobelia
The bracts of Lobelia telekii protect its flowers from wind and cold via long, hair-like shape.
strategy
Elevated rings increase diversityseaside arrowgrass
Seaside arrowgrass facilitates plant diversity in salt marshes by creating elevated rings with its rhizomes.
strategy
Spicules help resist fracturessponges
The spicules of sponges help prevent cracking via their long, thin shape and orientation transverse to load direction.
strategy
Transport tubes plugged when damagedfava bean
Nutrient transport tubes in fava beans and other legumes are plugged quickly when damaged via shape-changing mechano-proteins called forisomes.
strategy
Tails aid fast swimmingswordfish
The tails of swordfish help them swim fast over long distances due to their stiffness and crescent shape.
strategy
Mound facilitates gas exchangemound-building termites
The internal structure of above-ground macrotermite mounds facilitates gas exchange in the below-ground nest by harnessing external wind energy
strategy
Maintaining genetic and species diversityblack mustard
In some plant communities, genetic variation among individual plants may depend on the diversity of competitor species, and the conservation of species diversity may also depend on genetic diversity among individuals.
strategy
Beak snaps shuthummingbird
The beak of the hummingbird can snap closed to capture insects due to stored elastic energy.
strategy
Nest sheds watertropical hornet
Nest of tropical hornet sheds water via conical roof.
strategy
Eye spots deter animalsspicebush swallowtail
Eyespots of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly caterpillar protect it from predators because their tear shape creates an illusion of movable, watchful eyes.
strategy
Dome-shape protects nestovenbird
The nest of the ovenbird is a protective home because it is a dome made of mud pellets.
strategy
Beak provides streamliningcommon kingfisher
The beak of kingfishers allows splashless entry into water due to the wedge shape it makes with the head that is round in cross section.
strategy
Light used for instant signalingcomb jellies
An enzyme called photoprotein in comb jellies produces light when calcium changes the enzyme's shape, releasing energy.
strategy
Varied landscapes increase population stabilityecosystems
Landscapes with diverse topography and habitat types encourage population stability in butterflies, likely from greater availability of resources and microclimates.
strategy
Stream remodeling alters ecosystemsAmerican beaver
Beavers alter ecosystems by cutting trees and shrubs and creating mosaics of wetlands, moist meadows, and ponds.
strategy
Mounds increase diversitymound-building termites
The mounds created by some termites increase diversity in wetlands because they form 'islands,' supporting trees and other species during the wet season.
strategy
Enhancing species richnessbeavers
Beavers enhance species richness in their environments by increasing habitat heterogeneity.
strategy
Tussocks enhance species diversityupright sedges
Tussocks of Carex stricta sedges in meadows enhance species diversity by providing multiple micro-habitats and undergoing seasonal changes in composition.
strategy
Periodic swarming to find new resourcesNorway lemmings
Norway lemmings emigrate en mass in search of food once their population size reaches 40-100 individuals per acre.
strategy
Communication molecules coordinate behaviorchronic wound bacteria
Pathogenic bacteria in chronic wounds communicate using signaling molecules.
strategy
Social networking aids housing searchhermit crabs
Social networking behaviors in hermit crabs help them find new homes through vacancy chains.
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
Periodic emergence synchronizedcicadas
The emergence of cicadas may be triggered by their sensing of cyclical cues from nearby tree roots.
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
Nest is reinforcedmagpie lark
The nest of the magpie lark provides a sturdy home on a branch because it is a bowl-shape, made of mud and reinforced with sticks, feathers, fur, and grass.
strategy
Signalling synchronizes bioluminescenceVibrio fisheri bacteria
Members of Vibrio fisheri bacterial colonies synchronize bioluminescent light production via a cell-to-cell signalling mechanism known as quorum sensing.
strategy
Highly stretchable stipe resists breakingKelp
Highly stretchable stipe of bull kelp resists breaking because of restraining cellulose fibers
strategy
Fine strands stabilize boneshumans
The spongy bones of humans handle stress efficiently via the distribution of fine strands called trabeculae.
strategy
Plant resists blister blighttea plant
The defense mechanism of tea plants resists blister blight leaf disease in part due to the chemical epicatechin.
strategy
Saucer-like structure aids spore dispersalbird's nest fungus
The saucer-like top of a bird's nest fungus launches spore capsules by deflecting heavy raindrops that dislodge the capsules and disperse them.
strategy
Mycosporines protect from UV light, desiccationmicrocolonial fungi
Microcolonial fungi are protected from UV light and desiccation via mycosporines.
strategy
Polypeptide inhibits microbial growthCalifornia sea hare
The California sea hare inhibits microbial growth using escapin, a polypeptide.
strategy
Water aids pollinationeelgrass
A tethered structure of the eelgrass flower draws in free-sailing male flowers for pollination by forming a dimple on the water surface.
strategy
Collenchyma cells provide strength, flexibilityplants
Collenchyma cells in vascular plants support growing parts due to flexible cellulosic walls, which lignify once growth has ceased.
strategy
Surface tension flings sporesfern
The spores of one fern are launched from the sporangium using a mechanism based on surface tension and evaporation.
strategy
Embryos go into dormancyred kangaroo
The reproductive system of female red kangaroos holds embryos in developmental dormancy via hormones.
strategy
Fluid pressure provides supportblue crab
The body of the blue crab functions during exoskeletal molt using hydrostatic pressure.
strategy
Hibernator survives low food supplybasking shark
The metabolism of basking sharks allows survival of winter food limitations via torpor, a hibernation-like state.
strategy
Fibers reinforce hydrostatic skeletonssunflowers
Hydrostatic structures found in sunflowers and other many other organisms serve various functions but almost always use helical fibers as reinforcement.
strategy
Wood resists fracturetrees
Wood of trees resists crosswise fracture via complex architecture.
strategy
Wing scales provide liftbutterflies
The wings of butterflies gain lift because their scales point away from the leading edge of the wing, helping air flow smoothly over the wing.
strategy
Biofilms protect bacteriagram negative bacteria
Colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria protect themselves from antibiotics and other insults by grouping together and secreting adhesive polysaccharides, forming what is known as a biofilm.
strategy
Mats uniformly distribute resourcesblack grama grass
Grasses in deserts uniformly distribute rainfall and nutrients by forming a mat of roots that limits shrub establishment.
strategy
Density moderates microclimatealpine sandwort
Arid and alpine plants such as alpine sandwort moderate microclimates by forming dense groups.
strategy
Collaborating for group decisionshoneybees
Honeybees collaborate when foraging, selecting a new hive through knowledge sharing.
strategy
Neurotoxin protects from predatorspoison-dart frog
Glands in the skin of poison-dart frogs protect from predators via a secreted neurotoxin called batrachotoxin.
strategy
Seeds survive various conditionsmangroves
Some species of mangrove seedlings enhance their chances of survival due to several characteristics: sharp spikes stick in the ground, photosynthesizing stem, and adaptations for both salty and fresh water.
strategy
Pulled support stalks experience lower stress forces
Long and skinny support stalks (stipe) of seaweed experience lower stress forces when pulled rather than bent.
strategy
Thickness stabilizes tall treesbaobab
The trunk of the tall baobab tree compensates for the weak, water-storing stem via thick bark.
strategy
Group minimizes wind resistancepelicans
Pelicans flying in groups adjust their spacing to minimize wind resistance.
strategy
Juice launches seedssquirting cucumber
Squirting cucumbers launch and disperse seeds using hydraulic pressure.
strategy
Membranes desalinate watermangrove
Mangroves extract salt from water via transpiration and filtering through membranes.
strategy
Lack of wing scales enhances camouflageclearwing butterfies
The wings of a clearwing butterfly provide camouflage because they lack scales, allowing whatever background the butterfly has landed on to show through its wings.
strategy
Mating flights associated with thunderstormsmoths
Some moths in New Zealand detect positive ion accumulation in the atmosphere preceding thunderstorms.
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.
idea
Self-healing Autonomous MaterialSchool for Engineering of Matter, Transport, & Energy
Damage-sensing, self-healing materials
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Seeds dispersed across the seasea bean
The seeds of sea beans are dispersed great distances in water thanks to durable woody pods.
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Seeds survive long sea voyagescoconut palm
The seeds of coconut palms survive long sea voyages because they are enclosed in nutrient-rich, water-filled protective shells.
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Scales create brilliant whiteCyphochilus beetles
Ultrathin exterior scales of beetles create brilliant whiteness by scattering a wide spectrum of visible light wavelengths.
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Structures create colorful featherscommon kingfisher
Feathers of the common kingfisher create colorful feathers due to pigment granules, spongy nanostructures, and thin films.
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Body surfaces reflect light to create colorsjewel beetles
The body surfaces of jewel beetles and other beetles create colors by reflecting lights at different wavelengths.
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Folds allow efficient leaf deploymentplants
Leaves of plants maximize time exposed for photosynthesis by using various packaging schemes to fold the large leaves within the buds so they can begin photosynthesizing upon deployment.
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Chemicals made with natural ingredientsbacteria
Bacteria can use natural chemicals to create complex molecules, including antibiotics, with special enzymes.
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Shapes cover curved surfaces efficientlytortoise
The shell of tortoises optimizes material use for a curved surface via hexagonal subunits and filler shapes.
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Leaf serves as containerred oak roller weevil
Female red oak roller weevils create packages to hold their eggs by cutting and rolling oak leaves into tubes.
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Hairs create colorsweevils
Hairs of weevils produce metallic blue and green coloring by having fine, scaly structure.
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Structures optimize material useplants
Plants maximize strength while reducing materials by incorporating tetrahedral elements that can be stacked in hexagonal containers.
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Wing scales cause light to diffract and interfereMorpho butterflies
Wings of Morpho butterflies create color by causing light waves to diffract and interfere.
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Claw snaps shutpistol shrimp
A specialized claw of the pistol shrimp creates a localized pressure wave by bubble collapse.
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Lipochromes create red feathersscarlet macaw
The feathers of scarlet macaws gain their red coloration via five lipochromes produced only in parrots.
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Moving cilia create iridescencecomb jellies
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Receptors create thermal imagepit viper
Thermoreceptors found in pits in a viper's face provide it with a bifocal thermal image of prey because the fields of thermal sensitivity overlap.
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Pigment granules create colorsdamselflies
The bodies of damselflies have brilliant metallic colors derived from structural arrangement of pigment granules.
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Tissues create hydrostatic pressureplants
Tissues of plants generate hydrostatic pressure by injecting solutes into a confined space and allowing water to enter.
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Crystals create iridescent sheenrainbow trout
The scales of a rainbow trout have a silvery shine due to guanine crystals.
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Carotenoids create yellow colorAmerican goldfinch
The feathers of the American goldfinch appear yellow in color due to carotenoids.
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Layers create multihued appearancebeetle
Carapace of beetle appears multihued because of ultrathin layers in a corkscrew orientation.
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Oils vaporize to create scenttitan arum
Oils in the titan arum plant are volatilized to release its unique scent by raising the internal temperature.
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Eyes judge distance without head movementchameleon
The cornea of a chameleon, rather than the lens, focuses incoming light to create an image, allowing chameleons to judge distance moving only their eyes.
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Larvae produce foammeadow spittlebug
The larvae of meadow spittlebugs produce their protective foam casings by exhaling air into a viscid fluid.
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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.
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Scales provide penetrative protectionstriped bass
Scales on striped bass provide high resistance to penetration due to their double-layer structure.
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Flowers of the red mistletoe attract specific pollinatorsmistletoe
The flowers of the red mistletoe protect from unwanted visitors by utilizing a pollinator-specific design.
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External hydrodynamic lever increases forcearcher fish
The water jet produced by the mouth of the archer fish assists the capture of prey by increasing in volume at the head of the jet to multiply force.
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Spring directs spore dispersal in low humidityhorsetail
The elaters of horsetail plants aid spore dispersal by coiling and uncoiling in response to humidity.
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Vibration creates heathoneybee
Honeybees create heat in hives via thoracic vibrations.
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Fibers reinforce nestswasps
Nests and honeycombs of wasps are sturdy because they incorporate fibers in a parallel pattern.
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Cocoon lining prevents ice crystalsmoths
Oral secretions in the cocoons of many moths prevent formation of ice crystals because they form a fine, dry, web-like lining.
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Clapping used for underwater movementrough fileclam
The shells of the rough fileclam aid movement through water via jet propulsion.
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Scales provide flexible, strong protectionpangolin
Scales of pangolins provide flexibility yet strong protection by overlapping like roof shingles.
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Skeleton components arranged efficientlystarfish
The skeletons of some echinoderms arrange their calcium carbonate plates efficiently using pentaradial symmetry.
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Wings work in unisoninsects
Insects with two pairs of wings have them work in unison by attaching the wings in various ways, with hooks, folds, or catches.
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Membranes avoid meltingmethanogen (thermophile)
Membranes of Methanopyrus microbes avoid melting in high heat because they are made up of waxy chemicals instead of ordinary fats.
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Hairs prevent entry of waterrat-tailed maggot
The breathing tubes of rat-tailed maggots block water from entering via hydrophobic hairs.
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Feather structure insulatesCanada goose
Down feathers of geese insulate through special architecture.
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Matrix stiffens connective tissuesponges
The connective tissue of sponges is a matrix stiffened by embedded spicules.
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Bristles and barbs capture minute foodsCalanoid copepods
Suspension-feeding appendages of Calanoid copepods capture minute particles and organisms from the surrounding water with the help of attached bristles and barbs.
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Waterproof lipid-layer prevents desiccationfrogs
The skin of terrestrial frogs protects from water loss via a waterproof, lipid-containing layer.
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Channels protect from freezinggoldenrod gall fly
Transmembrane channels, referred to as aquaporins, protect goldenrod gall fly from freezing in the winter by rapidly redistributing water out of cells.
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Cell coat provides impermeabilityamoeba
The cell coat of the amoeba provides an impermeable layer of protection via a series of tightly packed helical proteins protruding from the cell membrane.
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Jumping legs resist failuredesert locust
The jumping legs of the locust avoid failure due to high and frequent loading through viscoelasticity and plasticity of the chitin protein matrix.
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Lunging after preydragonfly larvae
The larvae of dragonflies squirt water out their anuses to lunge forward after prey thanks to hydraulic linkages.
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Architecture avoids flooding, creates microclimatesants
The nests of fungus-growing ants avoid flood damage and create uniform microclimates via necklace-like or tree-like architecture.
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Mixture waterproofs nestspaper wasps
Paper wasps use an oral secretion combined with masticated plant matter to create waterproof paper nests.
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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.
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Vibrations attract antsAustralian blue butterfly
The pupae of blue butterflies attract protective ants by rubbing together teeth-like projections on their bodies to create vibrations.
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Shell provides drought protectionlungfish
Some lungfish survive drought by burrowing into mud and secreting mucus that hardens into a protective shell around them.
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Varying response thresholds aid hive thermoregulationhoneybee
Honeybees in a colony regulate hive temperature due to diverse response thresholds.
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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.
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Energy transfers in photosynthetic processgreen sulphur bacteria
The photosynthetic complexes of green sulphur bacteria maximize efficient energy transfer by creating coherent quantum waves.
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Multitasking on the movepseudoscorpions
One species of pseudoscorpion fights for mating privileges while emigrating to a new tree on a harlequin beetle.
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Feet adhere temporarilyaphids
The feet of aphids appear to adhere to surfaces using capillary adhesion.
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Vessels resist bubble formationtrees
Xylem vessels running up tree trunks prevent gas bubble formation because all surfaces are hydrophilic.
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Scale creates broadband diffuse silver reflectivityArgyrophorus argenteus
Wings of the butterfly Argyrophorus argenteus creates silver color via sub-micron thick scales that scatter light and create a range of periodicities parallel to the scale surface.
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Tongue protected from thornsgiraffe
The tongues and mouths of giraffes and other ungulates are protected when eating thorny plants because they are leathery.
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Pads cushion feetmammals
The foot pads of many mammals provide cushioning using hydrostatic structures, essentially working as fluid-filled cushions.
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Evaporation releases seedsBrazilian hura trees
Brazilian Hura trees launch seeds using tension created by varying rates of evaporation.
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Rolling locomotion aids escapemother-of-pearl moth caterpillar
The body of the mother-of-pearl moth caterpillar escapes predators by anchoring its tail, recoiling, and rolling backwards.
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Microbe survives extreme heatPyrolobus archaea
The ability of Pyrolobus fumarii archaea to survive extreme heat may be related to the accumulation of charged organic solutes.
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Pores allow gas exchangebirds
The eggs of a birds provide gas exchange through pore canals.
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Bubble raft used to float on waterviolet snail
The mobile foot of the aquatic violet snail creates a raft by collecting air bubbles and enveloping them in mucus.
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Fiber gives toughnessbamboo and trees
Fibers of bamboo and trees provide toughness by their simple structure of fiber-reinforced composites
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Magnesium substitution prevents crackssea snail
The egg capsule of a sea snail resists cracks due to substituting calcium with magnesium.
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Valves handle high pressureshumans
The aortic valve in vertebrate hearts allows the tissue to expand under high pressures by having elastic properties.
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Weak interfaces make material toughnacre
Layers of weak and stretchy organic material between brittle mineral layers in nacre make the whole composite tough by managing cracks.
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Wings enable glideflying dragon
Special elongated ribs of the flying dragon lizard enable it to glide via adjustable membranes that act as 'wings'.
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Tension releases seedsbroom
Seed pods of broom shrub disperse seeds via evaporative tension buildup and release.
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Lightweight structure aids dispersaldandelions
The seeds of dandelions are efficiently dispersed on the wind thanks to tiny discs of radiating threads that act as parachutes.
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Changes in protein-pigment complex protect from heat and desiccationlichen
Lichens can tolerate extreme heat and desiccation in part due to conformational modifications in a protein-pigment complex.
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Seed compartment impervious to rainNamaqualand mesems
A seed-containing structure in some mesembryanthemums provides long-term protection for some seeds because it is impervious to rain.
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Light-transmitting fibersVenus flower basket
The glass-like fibers of a glass sponge transmit light better than our fiber optics, yet are made from natural materials and at ambient temperatures.
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Gular fluttering dissipates heatnightjars
The gular sack of nightjars helps to dissipate heat efficiently by vibrating.
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Hardened bubbles provide protectionfoam-nesting frog
Bubble nest of foam-nesting frogs protects eggs and young by hardening into a protective casing.
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Skin maintains structural rigidityhuman
Human skin maintains its structural rigidity while expanding in water due to helical fibers of keratin woven into a three-dimensional pattern.
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Seed case protects from seawaterMary's bean
The seed cases of Mary's Bean provide protection and keep seeds afloat as they drift on ocean currents.
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Tyrisonase enzymes aid crosslinkingorganisms
Tyrosinase enzymes serve a wide variety of crosslinking functions in organisms by catalyzing the oxidation of phenols and converting them into reactive quinones.
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Water vapor harvestingNamib Desert beetle
Surfaces of wing covers on some darkling beetles gather water using nanoscale bumps and body position.
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Communities develop and changeriparian habitat
Riparian communities form through a succession of colonizers.
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Head bores through woodshipworm
The head of a shipworm bores circular burrows in wood thanks to raspy, rotating shells.
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Down feathers insulateking eider
The down feathers of eider ducks provide insulation due to lack of barbules and ability to fluff.
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Body changes stiffnesssea cucumber
The body of the sea cucumber changes from soft to standard to hard due to stiffening and plastizing factors and exuding water.
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Skin properties derive from arrangement of componentsmammals
The skin of mammals may derive its unique mechanical properties and other characteristics from the arrangement of its stratum corneum keratin intermediate filaments into cubic rod-packing symmetry.
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Hairs absorb ultraviolet radiationedelweiss
The wooly hairs of the alpine edelweiss protect the plant's cells from ultraviolet radiation by acting as photonic structures that interact with and absorb the UV radiation.
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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.
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Ice in rosette protects bud from frostlobelia
A liquid held in the rosette of a lobelia protects the plant's terminal bud from frost by forming a shield of ice over the submerged bud on cold nights.
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Gular pouch used to attract matefrigatebird
Male frigatebirds attract mates with an elastic, red gular pouch that is inflatable.
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Skin secretion slows desiccationlesser siren
The skin of the lesser siren protects from desiccation by secreting a mucus cocooon.
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Membrane reduces evaporationland snail
A secreted mucus membrane across the opening of the shells of some land snails protects them from drying out by reducing evaporation.
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Milk protects against microbestammar wallaby
The milk of the tammar wallaby protects newborn wallabies from bacteria and fungi via the antimicrobial AGG01 molecule.
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Body tissue survives freezingred bat
The body tissue of the red bat can tolerate being frozen.
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Fine filaments absorb oxygennewt
The external gills of newt tadpoles absorb oxygen from water using fine filaments with a large collective surface area.
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Stretchy membrane aids ovipositionlocust
The intersegmental membranes of a pregnant female locust helps her deposit her eggs about 8 centimeters underground due to stress-softening of the membrane.
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Anhydrobiosis protects during desiccationnematodes
Some nematodes survive drought conditions by entering an ametabolic state known as anhydrobiosis.
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Constructing bubble nestsfoam-nesting frog
Bubble nests of foam-nesting frogs are constructed with precision using a three phase process.
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Seeds are dispersed long distancesSouth African grapple plant
The seeds of grapple plants are dispersed long distances because the numerous hooks on their capsules cling to the feet of passing animals.
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Body shrinks under harsh conditionsmarine iguana
The body length of marine iguanas shrinks in response to low food availability and energetic stress to reduce energy expenditure and increase foraging efficiency
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Cork bars water, dissolved ions and gasescork oak
Cork of cork oak provides a barrier to water, dissolved ions and gases due to tissues containing long-chain aliphate molecules.
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Excretions provide antimicrobial protectionbiscuitroot
Biscuitroots protect themselves from microbes using antimicrobial excretions.
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Lichen metabolite has antimicrobial activitylichens
The metabolism of lichens protect from colonization by bacteria via the secondary metabolite usnic acid.
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Fangs fold for storagewestern diamondback rattlesnake
The curving fangs of a western diamondback rattlesnake are stored when not in use by folding against the roof of the mouth via hinges.
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Pollen coat prevents dehydrationplants
The pollen grains of seed plants are protected from dehydration via a hard coat.
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Excretions provide antimicrobial protectionolive trees
Olive trees protect themselves from microbes using antimicrobial excretions.
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Special liquid softens hard cocoonpuss moth
The mouth of puss moth larvae helps them escape their hard cocoon casing by exuding a softening liquid.
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Portable cases protect from predatorscaddisflies
Some caddisflies protect themselves from predators by building portable cases out of local materials - such as pebbles, sand, and aquatic plants - that are cemented together with silk or mucus.
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Ear flaps keep water outotters
The ears of otters protect from water via ear-flaps.
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Nanowires transport electrons extracellularlysediment bacteria
Nanowires in sediment bacteria transport electrons extracellularly by linking distant chemical reactions to create electrical impulses
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Membrane channel lets only some ions inStreptomyces lividans
The membrane of Streptomyces lividans cells lets potassium ions in but not sodium via a potassium-specific channel.
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Extensibility helps stop spread of cracksmacroalgae
The blades of macroalgae stop cracks from spreading by using their elasticity to round the tips of new cracks.
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Cellulose digested for fuelprotozoans
Mixotricha protozoans digests cellulose for termite metabolism.
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Two-phase composite tissues handle tensionpipevine
Tissues of plants protect from tension by having a biphasic layer of cellulose microfibers against a matrix of hemicelluloses and lignin.
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Guard hairs repel waterreindeer
The coat of reindeer repels water via long guard hairs.
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Spherical structures minimize materials, maximize strengthorganisms
Some structures in nature have great strength and stiffness relative to material used due to their spherical or dome-shaped design.
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Proboscis forms a sealed cylinderbutterfly
The cuticular structures on the surface of the proboscis of a butterfly form a sealed coil against the head of the insect by interlocking in various directions.
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Inflating for protectionporcupine fish
The skin of a porcupine fish protects from predators via embedded spines that erect when the fish inflates using sips of water.
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Seed coat and enzymes protect seedlotus
Seeds of lotus remain viable for thousands of years via hard seed coat and repair enzymes.
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Crystals and fibers provide strength, flexibilitybones
The composition of bones grants them strength, light weight, and some flexibility via small inorganic crystals and thin collagen fibers.
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Pigments cells respond to hormonesAfrican clawed frog
Pigments in frog skin change color in response to hormones by moving melanin grains around cells.
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Nasal turbinates reduce water lossnorthern elephant seal
The nasal turbinates of the northern elephant seal reduce water loss via countercurrent heat exchange.
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Hairs sense environmental cuesinsects
Socketed hairs of insects detect environmental stimuli through vibration.
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Microscopic holes deter fracturesstarfish
Ossicles of starfish resist fractures via microscopic holes in the structure.
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Wire-like structures conduct electricityShewanella oneidensis
The pilus-like components of Shewanella oneidensis bacteria conduct electricity because they are elongated and arranged in bundles, adopting a nanowire-like structure.
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Vortex rings propelmoon jellyfish
Moon jellyfish move efficiently through water by creating complex vortex rings in the wake of their motion.
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Hairs detect changes in water currentcopepod
The antennae of Euchaeta rimana, a copepod, detect changes in the smooth water current (created by the shrimp's mouthparts) via motion-sensitive hairs.
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Sand pit captures preyant lion larvae
The larvae of ant lions capture prey by building sand pits with the steepest possible slope.
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Spinal column has strength and flexibilityarmored shrew
The spine of armored shrews is remarkable strong yet flexible, due to interlocking vertebral spines located laterally, dorsally, and ventrally on the spinal column.
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Large ears aid coolingelephant
The large ears of elephants aid cooling by radiating heat from blood vessels, and flapping to generate cooling air currents.
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Relationships essential to pollinationBrazil nut tree
The Brazil nut tree relies on the orchid bee for pollination, which in turn relies on certain species of orchids for reproduction.
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Eyes see 300 images per seconddragonfly
The eyes of dragonflies sense motion well due to high flicker-fusion frequency.
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Fatty acids prevent freezingcotton plants
Fatty acids in cotton seedlings prevent freezing by changing the composition of the cell membranes.
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Electric organs used in navigationknifefish
Electric organs in mormyrid and knifefish gymnotids aid navigation by creating an electric force field around the fish.
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Stabilized bromine protects from bacteriakelp
Red and green algae (kelp) protect from bacteria via stabilized bromine.
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Scales enhance wing colorswordtail butterfly
Scales on the ventral side of swordtail butterfly wings enhance blue/green coloring via light reflection and diffusion.
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Biosonar gives an accurate imagingdolphin
High resolution biosonar of dolphins, bats and mole rats gives an accurate imaging by using real-time data processing.
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Web absorbs impactsspiders
Webs of araneid spiders absorb impacts via microscopic engineering.
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Valves reduce burrowing dragrazor clam
The valves of the Atlantic razor clam reduce drag and the amount of energy required to reach burrow depth by contracting to locally fluidize the surrounding soil.
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Foot aids underwater movementwater snail
The foot of water snails helps them move upside down beneath the water's surface by creating small ripples in the mucus-water interface.
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Light-gathering apparatus adjusts to conditionspurple bacteria
The light-gathering apparatus of purple bacteria adapts to varying light intensities by altering its configuration to optimize energy production and prevent damage.
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Plants minimize water lossdesert
Plants in arid ecosystems self-organize to minimize water loss and aid plant and seed survival.
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Rhizomorphs distribute water between plantsmycorrhizal fungi
Rhizomorphs in mycorrhizal fungi maintain plant hydration by transporting fluid between the root systems of neighboring plants
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Tail used for reproductive advantagedamselfly
Extensions on the tails of some dragonflies provide a reproductive advantage by cleaning out the sperm of competitors from their chosen mate prior to depositing their own sperm.
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Electricity helps communicationsmormyrid electric fish
The mormyrid electric fish communicate during courtship using electrical displays by varying waveform and pulse intervals.
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Lateral line system acts as sonarfish
Neuromasts of the lateral line system of fish help them navigate by sensing their own waves, reflected back from surrounding objects, which are deflected by minute sensory cells embedded in jelly.
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Mounds accumulate calcium carbonatetermites
Mounds of Macrotermes termites accumulate calcium carbonate.
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Microcolonial fungi adapt to extreme conditionsfungi
Free-living ascomycetes growing in colonies can spread into the extremely hostile environments including deserts because they possess extracellular polymeric substances and other adaptations.
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Tiny capsules trap preybladderwort
Tiny transparent capsules found on bladderworts trap small prey via a resettable, vacuum-driven mechanism.
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Mucus facilitates smellinghuman
Smell receptors in the human nose detect smells with the help of a thin mucus layer, which dissolves scents and uses chromatography.
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Foraging aids revegetationgreater bilby
The foraging behavior of bilbies helps revegetate arid landscapes by creating pits that naturally catch plant matter, seeds, and nutrients.
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Larvae protected from predatorscase-bearing leaf beetles
Larvae of case-bearing leaf beetles protect themselves with hard cases made of fecal matter.
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Insects cycle nutrientsperiodic cicadas
Bodies of Magicicada cicadas provide mass pulses of nutrients that encourage growth of the forest trees they feed on thanks to their periodical lifecycle.
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Wings shed dirt and watercicada
The wings of cicadas shed dirt and water via nanoscale protrusions surrounded by air pockets that buoy water droplets.
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Bark keeps surface cool under the suntrees
Bark of trees keeps surface cool by minimizing absorption of solar light and maximizing thermal emission
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Toe pads adhere and clean themselvesWhite's tree frog
Feet of White's tree frog stick to surfaces and stay clean due to mucus secreted between hexagonal patterns.
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Bumps and grooves protect surfacedesert scorpion
The surface of the desert scorpion resists erosion by sand due to bumps and grooves that decrease flow.
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Glue fibers form underwatercaddisfly
Fibers of silk glue produced by caddisfly larvae adhere underwater thanks to phosphorylated amino acids.
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Stems move airPhragmites australis
Dead stems of Phragmites australis move air to shoot and root meristems by use of differential air pressure.