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Karel Bolckmans: Favorites Edit title

Profile PhotoKarel BolckmansMay 25, 2015
Shared with everyone Edit visibility
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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.

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Protect from microbesRespond to signalsSense disease in a living system
strategy

Plants rise above floodingpeatland plants

Peatland plants survive variable water levels by growing on stilt-like tussocks.

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Protect from excess liquids
strategy

Stems resist bucklingplants

The stems of many plants resist buckling using low-density foam cores.

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Manage compressionPrevent buckling
strategy

Pollen coat prevents dehydrationplants

The pollen grains of seed plants are protected from dehydration via a hard coat.

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Protect from loss of liquids
strategy

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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Manage impactOptimize shape/materialsPhysically assemble structure
strategy

Hairs prevent evaporationarid zone plants

Hairs on arid zone plants reduce water loss to wind by creating a dense felt.

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Protect from loss of liquidsProtect from wind
idea

Miniaturized condensersDuke University

Super-efficient condensers for power plants

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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.

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Cooperate within an ecosystemProtect from animals
strategy

Bulk prevents moisture losscushion plants

The stems of cushion plants prevent moisture loss due to their fibrous bulk.

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Protect from loss of liquids
strategy

Pigment enhances light absorptiontropical plants

Leaves of tropical plants such as Leptospermum recapture light with purple pigment.

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Capture, absorb, or filter energy
strategy

Seeds disperse by jet actionice plants

Seeds of ice plants disperse by jet action using the energy of raindrops and moisture-sensitive capsules.

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Disperse seedsExpel solids
strategy

Photosynthesis with low CO2peatland plants

Plants in calcareous peatlands photosynthesize in low CO2 levels by taking up bicarbonate and converting it to CO2.

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Adapt behaviorsCapture, absorb, or filter chemical entitiesRegulate cellular processes
strategy

Roots maximize water uptakeplants

Roots of plants maximize water uptake by adapting their orientation to the environment.

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Capture, absorb, or filter liquidsOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Reinforced fibers provide strengthplants

Fibers in many woody plants provide mechanical strength via lignin reinforcements.

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Manage compression
strategy

Sclereid cells prevent soft tissue collapseplants

Sclereid cells in vascular plants help prevent the collapse of soft tissues during water stress via thick, lignified walls.

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Manage compression
strategy

Plants minimize water lossdesert

Plants in arid ecosystems self-organize to minimize water loss and aid plant and seed survival.

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Cooperate/compete between different speciesCoordinate by self-organizationRegulate water storage
strategy

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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Capture, absorb, or filter liquidsModify pressureStore liquids
strategy

Plants survive repeated drying and rehydrationlesser clubmoss

The cells of lesser clubmoss plants prevent deformation during repeated dehydration via small vacuoles filled with mechanical mixtures called colloids.

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Prevent deformationPrevent fatigue
strategy

Enzyme catalyzes many reactionsplants

Many plants and microorganisms can catalyze a wide variety of organic chemical reactions via the 2OG oxygenase enzyme.

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Catalyze chemical breakdown
strategy

Relationship provides nutrients, protectionant-plants and ants

Ant-plants and their ant lodgers gain nutrients and protection thanks to their mutualistic relationship.

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Cooperate/compete between different speciesCoordinate activitiesCycle nutrientsProtect from animals
strategy

Camouflage reduces herbivorypebble plants

The flat, rounded leaves and underground growth of pebble plants may protect them from herbivory by serving as camouflage.

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Modify positionModify size/shape/mass/volumeProtect from animals
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.

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Protect from loss of liquids
strategy

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energyplants

Photosynthesis in plants converts solar energy into chemical energy using electrons and protons from water.

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Catalyze chemical breakdownChemically assemble organic compoundsTransform chemical energyTransform radiant energy (light)
strategy

Structures maximize light absorptionplants

Thylakoid structures of plants and cyanobacteria maximize exposure to light by being stacked and cross-linked.

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Capture, absorb, or filter energyOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Walls prevent collapse under tensionplants

Xylem vessels and tracheids of vascular plants prevent their own collapse while under tension via helical thickening of their walls.

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Manage tension
strategy

Crystals draw sunlight into plantwindow plants

The pillar-like leaves of window plants enhance photosynthesis by filtering sunlight down a series of translucent crystals of oxalic acid.

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Capture, absorb, or filter energyDistribute energy
strategy

Biopolymers absorb organic compounds in soilplants

The cuticle of plants are good sorbents for organic compounds due to rigid (crystalline) polymethylene moieties of the biopolymers cutin and cutan.

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Capture, absorb, or filter chemical entities
strategy

Tightly packed stems protect from windcushion plants

The stems of cushion plants protect from the wind via tight packing.

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Protect from wind
strategy

Tightly packed stems insulate against cold

The stems of cushion plants protect from the cold via tight packing.

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Protect from temperature
strategy

Antenna structure efficiently gathers lightvascular plants

Light harvesting antenna of plants allow for very quantum efficient capture by high pigment density and long excited-state lifetime design.

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Capture, absorb, or filter energyModify energy state
strategy

Iridescent thin layer provides photoprotectionunderstory rainforest plants

Leaves of tropical rainforest understory plants are protected from excess sun by blue iridescence.

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Capture, absorb, or filter energyProtect from lightRegulate cellular processes
strategy

Roots absorb nutrients from dead leaves

The stems of cushion plants reabsorb nutrients from dead leaves by sending out lateral rootlets.

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Capture, absorb, or filter chemical entities
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.

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Manage compressionModify size/shape/mass/volume
idea

Slippery Liquid Infused Porous Surface SLIPSThe Aizenberg Biomineralization and Biomimetics Lab, Harvard University

Self-cleaning coating that mimics pitcher plants

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strategy

Root systems control erosionvascular plants

Root systems of plants control erosion through architectural characteristics.

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Control erosion and sediment
strategy

Photoreceptor proteins direct shade avoidance behaviorthale cress

Thale cress plants maximize photosynthetic activity by detecting changes in wavelengths of red and blue light associated with shade, triggering protein production to direct growth away from shaded areas.

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Adapt phenotypeRespond to signalsSense light (non-visible spectrum) from the environmentSense light (visible spectrum) from the environmentTransduce/convert signals
strategy

Rod-like reinforcements provide strengthplants

Vascular bundles in plants provide mechanical strength, serving as rod-like reinforcements.

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Distribute liquidsManage compression
strategy

Rind resists rottingflowering plants

Pollen grains of flowering plants are protected because of a stable, rot-resistant outer rind.

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Protect from excess liquidsProtect from fungiProtect from microbes
strategy

Coating removes unwanted organismstrees

The leaves of some trees protect from epiphytic freeloaders via sheddable waxy coating.

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Protect from fungiProtect from microbesProtect from plants
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.

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Cooperate within an ecosystemDistribute solidsGenerate soil/renew fertilityManage disturbance in a communityRegulate climate
strategy

Thylakoidal system transports folded proteinsplants

Thylakoids of plants and cyanobacteria are able to transport folded or malformed proteins across tightly sealed membranes via a protein translocation system.

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Regulate cellular processes
strategy

Lignified parenchyma cells provide strengthplants

Parenchyma cells in plants provide mechanical support when they become lignified and thick-walled.

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Manage compression
strategy

Leaves maximize sun exposureplants

Leaves of plants maximize exposure to sun to maximize photosynthesis by moving throughout the day.

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Capture, absorb, or filter energy
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.

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Regulate cellular processes
strategy

Cells recognize and respond to pathogensplants

Cells of plants detect pathogens and promote rapid cell death around the infection, keeping the plant alive, using Hypersensitive Response (HR).

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Protect from microbes
strategy

Vascular systems transport fluids and solutesplants

Vascular systems of plants transport fluids and solutes by creating bars of tension by capillary action in leaves to pull water out of the soil and through the plant.

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Distribute liquids
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.

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Manage compression
strategy

Catalyst helps split waterplants

Catalysts in the chloroplasts of photosynthesizing plants help split water by binding water molecules and separating protons and electrons.

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Catalyze chemical breakdownTransform chemical energyTransform electrical energyTransform radiant energy (light)
strategy

Xylem conduits transport waterplants

Xylem conduits in plants transport water from soil to leaves through a pulling force generated when water evaporates at the surface of leaves creating a negative pressure gradient.

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Distribute liquids
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.

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Modify size/shape/mass/volumeProtect from loss of liquids
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.

Profile PhotoMelissa Pernell
Biological control of populations, pests, diseasesProtect from animalsSend chemical signals (odor, taste, etc.)
strategy

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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Modify size/shape/mass/volumeOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Fatty acids prevent freezingcotton plants

Fatty acids in cotton seedlings prevent freezing by changing the composition of the cell membranes.

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Modify material characteristicsProtect from temperature
idea

Concentrated solar plantMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Optimal arrangement of solar array mirrors based on Fibonacci spirals.

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Optimize shape/materials
strategy

Sugars assist desiccation tolerancespikemoss

The tissues of spikemoss survive extremely dry conditions due in part to production of trehalose or sucrose, which behave as water-replacement molecules.

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Protect from loss of liquidsProtect from temperature
idea

Friction-reducing ship coatingFraunhofer CML

A superhydrophobic coating on the outside of ships reduces frictional resistance, allowing vessels to move more easily through the water.

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Move in/on liquidsProtect from dirt/solidsProtect from excess liquids
strategy

Collaboration benefits multiple participantsmangrove forests

Several species of epiphytes, ants, fungi, and butterflies in mangrove forests provide benefits to each other through mutualism.

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Cooperate within an ecosystemCooperate/compete between different speciesCoordinate activitiesCycle nutrients
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.

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Capture, absorb, or filter chemical entitiesCooperate/compete between different speciesProtect from chemicals
strategy

Density moderates microclimatealpine sandwort

Arid and alpine plants such as alpine sandwort moderate microclimates by forming dense groups.

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Capture, absorb, or filter liquidsProtect from loss of liquidsProtect from temperatureRegulate climateRegulate water storage
strategy

Pitchers prevent fungal growthpitcher plant

The pitchers of pitcher plants prevent fungal growth using napthoquinones.

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Protect from fungi
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.

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Maintain biodiversityManage disturbance in a communityProtect from animals
strategy

Rosettes capture fogTillandsia

Leaves of rosette-forming plants capture fog by having a narrow form.

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Capture, absorb, or filter liquids
strategy

Red leaves hide plants from insectsplants

Anthocyanins in leaves camouflage the plant from insects and make insects more vulnerable to predators by inhibiting the reflecting of green wavelengths.

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Protect from animals
strategy

Surface cells store waterice plant

The leaves of ice plants store water in surface bladder-like cells.

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Store liquids
strategy

Thin-walled tubular stems resist bucklingbamboo

The stems of many plants may resist buckling by including transverse bulkheads that prevent ovalization.

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Prevent buckling
idea

bioWAVEBioPower Systems

Wave power anchoring system based on undersea plants

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strategy

Feeding behavior increases nitrogen availabilitynematodes

The feeding behavior of nematodes increases nitrogen availability to plants because they prey on nitrogen-hoarding bacteria and excrete excess nitrogen in a form plants can use.

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Cycle nutrients
strategy

Floating mats adjust to water levelsbeaked sedge

Floating mats of beaked sedge and other peatland plants aid survival in fluctuating water levels because they are held together and kept afloat by rootlike stems (rhizomes) of the plants.

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Protect from excess liquids
strategy

Leaves protect from pathogensthale cress

Leaves of thale cress protect the plant from pathogenic microorganisms by interrupting the cellular signals that otherwise keep the stoma open and vulnerable to bacterial invasion.

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Protect from microbesSense disease in a living system
strategy

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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Cycle nutrientsDistribute liquids
strategy

Tentacles catch tiny particlesbryozoans

Members of bryozoan colonies capture tiny plants and animals to feed on by thrusting feathery tentacles into the current.

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strategy

More successful pollinationorchids

The flowers of individual plants of a given orchid species improve the odds for successful pollination by producing a scent unique to that plant.

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Sense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
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.

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Cooperate/compete between different speciesProtect from microbesProtect from plantsSend chemical signals (odor, taste, etc.)
idea

Bioinspired adhesive tapeEvolutionary Biomaterials Group, Max Planck Institute for Metals Research

'Insect tape' is reusable and washable

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idea

Shrilk composite filmWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University

Biodegradable, biocompatible, lightweight, clear film

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idea

Hornet electricityTel-Aviv University

Hornet energy inspires solar cell

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idea

Solar SailorSolarSailor

Marine solar panels mimic insect wings

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Protect from animals
idea

Self-repairing polymer compositesNatural Process Design, Inc.

Self-repairing composites increase safety, decrease waste

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idea

Self-repairing concreteNatural Process Design, Inc.

Self-repair that increases durability of concrete structures

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Prevent bucklingPrevent deformationPrevent fracture/rupture
idea

Nanopore measuring deviceUniversity of Michigan, Biomedical Engineering Department and Chemical Engineering Department

Nanopore that doesn't clog, is more effective

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idea

Directional antennaeUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

More accurate antennae

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strategy

Insect elytra resist shear and crackingbeetles

Elytra of beetles maintain integrity of their two layers by transforming forces through connecting bio-nails.

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Manage impactManage shearPrevent fracture/rupture
strategy

Colonies self-organizesocial insects

Colonies of social insects self-organize and carry out complex group tasks through many simple individual interactions.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Cooperate within the same speciesCoordinate activitiesCoordinate by self-organization
strategy

Feet prevent slippinginsects

Feet of insects stick to surfaces using nanometer-thin films of liquid secretions.

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Attach temporarily
strategy

Secretions protect from multiple organismspleasing fungus beetle

Glands of the pleasing fungus beetle kill microbes, deter predators and competitors by secreting volatile fluids.

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Protect from animalsProtect from microbes
strategy

Eggs stick to waxy surfaceasparagus beetle

Eggs of the asparagus beetle attach firmly to waxy plant surfaces using proteinaceous secretions.

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Attach permanently
strategy

Wings perform high-quality flightinsects

Wings of insects of different size perform high-quality flight by producing different flow structures as they flap.

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Move in/through gases
strategy

Protein helps organize cuticlered flour beetle

Chitin in the cuticle of the red flour beetle is protected from degradation and organized and layered thanks to a special protein.

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Chemically assemble polymersProtect from chemicals
strategy

Wing veins improve fracture toughnesslocust

Veins on wings of migratory locusts improve fracture toughness by acting as barriers to crack propagation.

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Manage mechanical wearPrevent fracture/rupture
strategy

Legs propel insect farflea

The hind legs of fleas allow it to leap far because they have a protein called resilin that stores energy and releases it to extend the hind legs.

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Modify pressureStore energyTransform mechanical energy
strategy

Marking unrewarding routespharaoh ant

Foraging members of Pharaoh ant colonies guide fellow foragers away from unrewarding routes via a repellent pheromone.

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Coordinate by self-organizationSend chemical signals (odor, taste, etc.)
strategy

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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Attach temporarilyManage turbulencePrevent deformation
strategy

Exoskeleton adjusts to structural forcesinsects

Exoskeleton of insects adjusts to strain and load by changing thickness, stiffness, and fiber orientation.

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Manage compressionManage tensionPrevent deformation
strategy

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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Manage impactProtect from animals
strategy

Smell used for navigationdesert ant

The antennae of desert ants help them navigate by detecting odors stereoscopically.

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Navigate over landSense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Microstructure offers efficient flightdragonfly

Wings of dragonflies offer highly efficient flight and lightweight characteristics due to a series of adaptive materials that form a very complex composite structure.

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Move in/through gases
strategy

Sensilla detect firebeetle

Sensilla in the infrared sensory organ of the Melanophila acuminata beetle detect fire by a structure of lipids channeling photons to a protein region highly sensitive to hydrogen resonance.

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Sense light (non-visible spectrum) from the environment
strategy

A non-toxic foam secretion prevents predationpine spittlebug

Excrement from pine spittlebug nymphs repels predatory ants when the nymphs engulf themselves in a foam derived from their feces.

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Chemically assemble molecular devicesPhysically assemble structureProtect from animalsProtect from microbes
strategy

Chemicals reveal foescarpenter ant

Carpenter ants identify intruders based on the scent of cuticular chemicals not present on nest-mates.

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Respond to signalsSense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

The neuron lobula giant movement detector (LGMD) protects from collisionlocusts

The neuron lobula giant movement detector (LGMD) of the locust protects the locust from collison by filtering out excess stimuli.

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Navigate through airProtect from animalsSend electrical/magnetic signalsSense body awarenessSense motion
strategy

Hairs repel watercranefly

Hairs of the cranefly repel water due to their microstructure and arrangement on wings and legs.

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Expel liquidsManage compressionManage impactProtect from animals
strategy

Body sheds dirt particlesstonefly larvae

The body and eyes of stonefly larvae are protected from sediment particles by a coating of dense hairs and bristles.

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Manage mechanical wearProtect from dirt/solids
strategy

Cuticle protects against cracks, damagedesert locust

Cuticle on legs of locust withstands damage without loss of strength through fracture toughness and low stiffness.

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Manage compressionManage impactManage mechanical wear
strategy

Foot adaptations climb rough and smooth surfacesinsects

Feet of insects adjust to rough or smooth surfaces by engaging either claws or adhesive foot-pads.

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Attach temporarilyMove in/on solids
strategy

Ocelli sense length of daylightinsects

The ocelli of insects sense day length via a small lens and pigmented retinal cells.

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Sense time and day length
strategy

Raised abdomen reduces draghoneybee

Abdomen of honey reduces drag during flight by being raised to increase streamlining.

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Navigate through air
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.

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Manage turbulenceMove in/through gases
strategy

Reflex "bleeding" deters predatorsbloody-nosed beetle

The mouth of bloody-nose beetles deters predators via noxious liquid secretions.

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Distribute liquidsProtect from animals
strategy

Pressure forces blood from poresgrasshopper

Weak pores in the cuticle of certain grasshoppers ooze blood plasma as the hydrostatic pressure within the grasshoppers' bodies increases.

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Capture, absorb, or filter liquidsDistribute liquidsExpel liquids
strategy

Poisonous secretions deter predatorsblister beetle

Secretions of blister beetles help deter predators by containing cantharidin, a poisonous chemical.

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Protect from animals
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.

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Modify light/colorModify material characteristicsOptimize shape/materialsPhysically assemble structureProtect from animals
strategy

Larvae survive in digestive liquidsflesh flies

The larvae of flesh flies live in the water trap of pitcher plants and withstand the digestive enzyme juices meant to break down organisms.

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Manage chemical wearProtect from chemicals
strategy

Fan-like antennae aid sensingcockchafer beetle

The antennae of cockchafer beetles effectively sense signals via fan-like ends that increase the exposure of the sensillae to air.

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Sense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environmentSense sound and other vibrations from the environment
strategy

Needle-like structure inserts painlesslymosquito

The proboscis of the mosquito inserts painlessly because the jagged edge of the proboscis leaves only small points in contact.

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Move in/on solids
strategy

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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Manage impactManage mechanical wearPrevent fracture/rupture
strategy

Moth larvae manipulate host plant physiologyleaf-miner moth

Larvae of leaf-miner moths keep patches of wilting host leaves alive to ensure successful development with the help of bacterial endosymbionts.

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Cooperate/compete between different speciesRegulate reproduction or growth
strategy

Leg paddles and spurs speed aquatic jumpsPygmy mole cricket

Paddles and spurs on the legs of the pygmy mole cricket create faster aquatic jumps by increasing the cricket's surface area.

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Move in/on liquids
strategy

Larvae protect from cyanideSara longwing butterfly

Larvae of sara longwing butterflies avoid harm from cyanogenic leaves by metabolizing cyanogenic glycosides enzymatically, preventing cyanide release.

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Catalyze chemical breakdownProtect from chemicals
strategy

Secretions are antibacterialgreenbottle fly

Secretions of the greenbottle fly protects the larvae from bacteria via antibacterial peptides.

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Protect from microbes
strategy

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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Modify material characteristicsModify size/shape/mass/volumePhysically assemble structure
strategy

Feet sensitive to sweetnessbutterfly

The feet of butterflies taste sweetness using extremely sensitive taste hairs.

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Sense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Reducing surface tension to travel on waterrove beetle

Abdominal glands of the rove beetle help it skim quickly across water via secreted chemicals that locally reduce surface tension.

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Modify surface tensionMove in/on liquids
strategy

Corneal gratings reduce adhesionmoth and fly

The eyes of moths and flies reduce adhesion by corneal gratings that decrease the contact area.

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Protect from dirt/solids
strategy

Cuticle hole detects strain and load changesinsects

Exoskeleton of insects detects strain and load change via campaniform sensilla.

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Sense touch and mechanical forces in a living system
strategy

Thin liquid film allow adhesionColorado potato beetle

Tarsal structures of beetles adhere to plant surfaces by secreting lipids that are liquid at normal temperatures.

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Attach temporarily
strategy

Wings combine support and material economywinged insects

The wings of insects combine structural support and material economy because they are flat, braced surfaces.

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Optimize shape/materials
strategy

Dehydration helps survive freezingArctic springtail

The body of the Arctic springtail protects from freezing temperatures via protective dehydration.

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Protect from temperature
strategy

Squeezing larvae provides glueweaver ants

Weaver ants glue their nests together using silk squeezed from their larvae.

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Attach permanently
strategy

Non-polar compounds facilitate movement of chemicalsArdistomis schaumii beetle

Defense chemicals secreted by Ardistomis schaumii beetles can pass directly through the exoskeletons of their foes with the aid of special solvents.

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Modify solubility (dissolving, emulsifying, precipitating, crystallizing)Protect from animals
strategy

Fly has fast wingbeatfruit fly

The indirect flight muscles of the fruit fly allow high wingbeat frequencies via a fast actomyosin reaction.

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Transform mechanical energy
strategy

Ovipositor drills holeslocust

Ovipositors of locusts drill deep holes by use of two reciprocating rotating elements.

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Move in/on solids
strategy

Capillary action aids adhesionEuropean blowfly

Fluid secreted from tiny hairs on the feet of the European blowfly help it stick to surfaces via capillary action adhesion.

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Attach temporarily
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.

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Generate soil/renew fertilityMaintain biodiversityOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Larvae ditch threatened hostsparasitic fly

Larvae of a parasitic fly evade predation by abandoning their hosts when they are in peril.

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Protect from animalsSense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environmentSense touch and mechanical forces in a living system
strategy

Tracheal system delivers oxygen efficientlyfly

The tracheal systems of flying insects fuel flight by efficiently delivering oxygen-filled air to every cell of the body.

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Distribute gases
strategy

Reflector causes color and surface changetortoise beetle

The exoskeleton of the tortoise beetle changes color and reflective properties due to a chirped multilayer reflector filled with grooves that fill and empty of fluid to cover and reveal, respectively, the bottommost layer.

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Sense light (visible spectrum) from the environmentSensing atmospheric conditions
strategy

Legs power high jumpsspittle bug

The hind legs of spittle bugs help them jump high and accelerate rapidly using energy stored in an elastic protein called resilin.

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Distribute energyMove in/through gasesStore energy
strategy

Larvae survive extreme coldred flat bark beetle

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Modify phaseProtect from temperature
strategy

Wings fold multiple times without wearbeetles

Wings of beetles fold multiple times without wear or fatigue by having resilin in key joints.

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Manage mechanical wearPrevent fatigue
strategy

Wings generate lifthoneybee

The wings of a honeybee generate lift by arcing back and flipping over on the return.

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Move in/through gasesStore energyTransform mechanical energy
strategy

Tubes help cool muscles, transport gasesinsects

Insects deliver oxygen to flight muscles and cool the muscles via a tracheal system.

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Distribute gasesMaintain homeostasisProtect from temperature
strategy

Unique antifreeze protects from extreme coldAlaskan darkling beetle

A sugar-based polymer produced by an Alaskan darkling beetle keeps cell contents from freezing in extreme cold temperatures by attaching to the cell membrane.

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Protect from iceProtect from temperature
strategy

Antennae sense vibrationsmosquito

The antennae of male mosquitoes sense vibrations via fine, hair-like structures that respond to oscillations of air particles.

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Sense sound and other vibrations from the environment
strategy

Metal-free beaks are strongjewel beetle

The mandibles of the larval jewel beetle are as hard as some stainless steels by sheathing chitin fibers in protein and cross-linking.

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Chemically assemble polymersManage mechanical wearManage shear
strategy

Wing structure allows rapid accelerationdragonfly

The wings of a dragonfly help it accelerate rapidly due to their asynchronous operation.

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Modify speed
strategy

Antennae ensure smooth landingshoneybee

The antennae of the honeybee enable smooth landings by sensing landing distance and angle, signaling the body to orient appropriately.

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Navigate through airRespond to signalsSense balance/orientationSense body awareness
strategy

Foot adhesion prevents capturepalm leaf beetle

The feet of the palm leaf beetle protect it from predation by capillarity-based adhesion.

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Attach temporarily
strategy

Light helps capture insectsglow worms

Special organs in glow worms help lure insects to their sticky silk threads using bioluminescence.

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Capture, absorb, or filter organismsSend light signals in the visible spectrumTransform radiant energy (light)
strategy

Organs sense environmental cuesinsects

Insects interpret sensory input from antennae using Johnston's organs.

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Sense balance/orientationSense motionSense sound and other vibrations from the environment
strategy

Hairs sense environmental cuesinsects

Socketed hairs of insects detect environmental stimuli through vibration.

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Sense light (visible spectrum) from the environmentSense sound and other vibrations from the environmentSense touch and mechanical forces in a living systemSensing atmospheric conditions
strategy

Suspending reproduction conserves energyinsects

The reproductive or growth cycles of many insects are suspended until conditions are favorable via diapause, a hibernation-like mechanism.

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Protect from temperatureRegulate reproduction or growth
strategy

Pigment cells absorb incidental lightinsects

The ommatidia in the compound eyes of insects absorbs incidental light to prevent it from reaching the lens via "scattering pigment."

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Capture, absorb, or filter energy
strategy

Multiple legs allow sudden stopsinsects

Insects can stop dead without falling over because three legs are always on the ground while moving.

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Modify speedMove in/on solids
strategy

Crystals of metal salts improve cutting abilityherbivorous insects

The mandibles of many herbivorous insects have exceptional cutting abilities due to the presence of zinc or managese salts.

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Break down living materialsModify material characteristics
strategy

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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Adapt behaviorsAttach permanentlyAttach temporarilyCoordinate activitiesModify position
idea

Fog-catching materialsQinetiQ

Surface structure harvests water vapor from fog

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Capture, absorb, or filter liquids
strategy

Sensilla detect strain and load changesinsects

The exoskeleton of insects detects strain and load via sensilla organs.

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Sense touch and mechanical forces in a living system
strategy

Mouthparts manipulate foodinsects

The mouthparts of insects hold food steady during mastication with accessory jaw-like structures, called maxillae.

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Attach temporarilyCapture, absorb, or filter organismsModify position
strategy

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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Cycle nutrientsGenerate soil/renew fertility
strategy

Chemical reception discourages taxiswoodlice

Woodlice reduce risk by avoiding dead and dying members of their own species via chemical signals they release.

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Respond to signalsSense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Flotation in turbulent watersHeteropterid bugs

Water insects maintain flotation in turbulent waters thanks to an undersurface coating of water-repellent hairs.

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Manage turbulenceModify buoyancyModify surface tensionProtect from excess liquids
strategy

Foragers respond to the speed and efficiency of other antsant colonies

Foragers of leafcutter ant colonies respond to the speed and efficiency of other ants by varying leaf loads in size and weight.

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Capture, absorb, or filter organismsCooperate within the same speciesCoordinate activitiesDistribute solidsRespond to signals
strategy

Insects digest fecal wastedung beetles

Dung beetles play an important role in nutrient cycling and soil generation because they feed on and bury feces.

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Cycle nutrientsDetoxification/purification of air/water/wasteGenerate soil/renew fertility
strategy

Catches in wings hold, release tensionbees

The wings of bees and other fast flying insects provide surges of power from tiny catches, which momentarily hold wings to build up tension and then suddenly release them.

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Transform mechanical energy
strategy

Enzymes break down pesticideshoney bee

Enzymes produced by honey bees detoxify potentially harmful pyrethroid pesticide by breaking down the aromatic rings present in their structure.

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Catalyze chemical breakdownChemically break down organic compounds
strategy

Hairs create colorsweevils

Hairs of weevils produce metallic blue and green coloring by having fine, scaly structure.

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Modify light/colorSend light signals in the visible spectrum
strategy

Chemical sensing of predators determines egg-layingCuliseta longiareolata mosquito

The moquito, Culiseta longiareolata, protects its offspring by sensing chemicals released by its predator, the backswimmer, Notonecta maculata, before laying its eggs.

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Protect from animalsSense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Claws hold on at high current velocitiesriffle beetle

The legs of riffle beetles hold onto underwater substrates in fast currents using large, strong terminal claws.

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Attach temporarily
strategy

Olfactory system detects decompositionhouse fly

The olfactory systems of some flies help them find food due to their extreme sensitivity to the smell of rotting meat.

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Sense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Larvae survive freezingmidge

Larvae of midges survive freezing by having a high supercooling point.

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Protect from iceProtect from temperature
strategy

Chemical plug prevents matingbutterfly

The mating apparatus of male butterflies prevents other males from mating with a female by producing a chemical plug.

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Protect from loss of liquidsRegulate reproduction or growth
strategy

Conserving energymoths

Some male moths have no mouthparts in order to conserve energy because their exclusive concern is mating.

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Optimize shape/materialsStore energy
strategy

Chemical protects from pathogenswestern boxelder bug

Glands of the western boxelder bug protect from pathogens due to release of monoterpenes when exposed to sun.

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Protect from fungi
strategy

Flight path maintainedfruit fly

Fruit flies recover their flight path after wind gusts and other disturbances with an automatic stabilizer reflex.

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Modify positionMove in/through gasesNavigate through airProtect from wind
strategy

Waxy coat controls moisture losscockroach

The cuticle of cockroaches allows temperature-controlled variability of moisture loss via a waxy coat.

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Modify material characteristicsProtect from excess liquidsProtect from loss of liquids
strategy

Antennae sense heat of preyRhodnius bug

The antennae of Rhodnius bugs detect heat from their potential victims using numerous sensitive, hairlike thermoreceptors.

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Capture, absorb, or filter organismsSense temperature cues from the environment
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.

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Sense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Vomited detergents wreck ant waterproofingbeet armyworm

Vomit of beet armyworms defend against ants by wetting their hydrophobic cuticle using a detergent.

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Modify surface tension
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.

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Modify size/shape/mass/volumeOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Sensitivity to sweetness aids in food selectionhoneybee

Honeybees select natural sugars and reject substitutes based on an extreme sensitivity to taste.

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Capture, absorb, or filter chemical entitiesSense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Eyes see 300 images per seconddragonfly

The eyes of dragonflies sense motion well due to high flicker-fusion frequency.

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Sense motion
strategy

Secretions deter predatorsgrasshoppers

Blood secretions of Dictyophorus grasshoppers deter predators by forming a noxious froth when mixed with air.

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Protect from animals
strategy

Social system protects from diseasedampwood termites

Members of termite colonies transfer immunity among colony members via a sort of social vaccination.

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Protect from fungiProtect from microbes
strategy

Secretion attaches eggssaturniid gum moth

Eggs of the saturniid gum moth attach using a protein-based secretion that sets to form a highly elastic hydrogel.

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Attach temporarily
strategy

Shivering muscles produce heatArctic bumblebees

The thoracic flight muscles of Arctic bumblebees generate heat by shivering.

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strategy

Nests are dynamicTemnothorax ants

The colonies of Temnothorax ants adjust to colony growth or dimunition by shedding and reconstructing their nests.

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Adapt behaviors
strategy

Body detects magnetic fieldshoneybee

The abdomens of honeybees may be able to detect magnetic fields and use them in navigation thanks to magnetite.

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Navigate through airSense electricity/magnetism from the environment
strategy

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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Distribute liquidsExpel liquidsProtect from ice
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.

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Modify light/colorSensing atmospheric conditions
strategy

Diet diversity affects healthhoneybees

Immunocompetence of honeybees is maintained with a diverse diet.

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Protect from microbesRegulate cellular processes
strategy

Pigment granules create colorsdamselflies

The bodies of damselflies have brilliant metallic colors derived from structural arrangement of pigment granules.

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Modify light/colorSend light signals in the visible spectrum
strategy

Chitin layers produce gold and silver colorsjewel scarab

The forewings of jewel scarabs produce gold and silver by having 70 layers of chitin that become progressively thinner with depth resulting in different refractive indices.

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Modify light/color
strategy

Surviving oil pondspetroleum flies

Gut bacteria of petroleum fly larvae possibly aid survival in crude oil ponds via solvent tolerance.

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Protect from chemicals
strategy

Antennae detect odorsdampwood termite

Odor-binding proteins on the antennae of dampwood termites mediate the transport of odoriferous chemicals to the olfactory nerves by encapsulating the hydrophobic scent chemicals in a water soluble coating.

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Capture, absorb, or filter chemical entitiesModify solubility (dissolving, emulsifying, precipitating, crystallizing)Sense chemicals (odor, taste, etc) from the environment
strategy

Vortex provides liftparasitic wasp

The wings of one parasitic wasp generate lift by clapping together at the top of a stroke and then peeling off, creating a vortex that provides lift.

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Move in/through gases
strategy

Temporary chemical signals guide otherssolitary bees

Some species of bees send signals to other bees via temporary scent marks.

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Send chemical signals (odor, taste, etc.)
strategy

Claws grip rough surfaceslocust

The footpads of locusts help increase their ability to grip the surface by including claws that are activated on rough or non-horizontal surfaces.

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Attach temporarilyMove in/on solids
strategy

Antennae regulate foragingharvester ant

Antennal contact behavior of harvester ants communicates food availability through feedback based on rate of coming and going.

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Navigate over landSense motion
strategy

Bees collect DDTorchid bees

Some orchid bees are able to tolerate high concentrations of DDT, strategy unknown.

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Chemically break down organic compoundsProtect from chemicals
strategy

Communities prevent asbestos dispersionplants and lichens

Communities of plants and lichens limit dispersion of asbestos mine fibers by spontaneous colonization due to xerophytism, metal tolerance, and pioneerism.

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Detoxification/purification of air/water/waste
strategy

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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Manage impactOptimize shape/materials

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2019 Launchpad
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Contributed by Karel Bolckmans

M.Agr.Sc., KU Leuven, Belgium, 1991 TRIZ Specialist, 2006 BaDT (Biologist at the Design Table), Dupuyer, Montana, 2008.   1992 -1997 : Business Development Manager at Biobest NV in Belgium. Biobest produces parasitiods and predators for biological control of pest in...

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