strategy
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.
strategy
Leaves focus lightbegonias
The leaves of begonias maximize photosynthesis in low-light conditions by using clear surface cells to focus light.
strategy
Extra eyes direct lightspookfish
The eyes of the six-eyed spookfish direct additional light to the principal eyes for improved deep-sea vision via a third pair of accessory 'eyes.'
strategy
Eye structure enhances night visionvertebrates
The tapetum lucidum of many vertebrates enhances night vision by reflecting light back to photoreceptors in the eye.
strategy
Pupil enables clear vision in extreme light conditionsTokay Gecko, ,
The pupil of nocturnal geckos enables clear vision in extreme light conditions by becoming very large at night and constricting to a thin slit with several pinholes during the day.
strategy
Hunting in the darkpiranha
Eyes of piranhas can see in dark, murky waters because they can detect far-red light.
strategy
Pigments ‘photosynthesize’ without CO2Halobacteria
Halobacteria produce chemical energy without chlorophyll by capturing light energy with rhodopsin pigments and using it to pump protons out of the cell, setting up a proton gradient used to generate ATP.
strategy
Wing scales cause light to diffract and interfereMorpho butterflies
Wings of Morpho butterflies create color by causing light waves to diffract and interfere.
strategy
Eyes see in various wavelengthsbirds
Eyes of some birds, insects, and fish see better than humans because they can detect ultraviolet and/or infrared light.
strategy
Light generated chemicallyfirefly
Fireflies inhale oxygen and exhale light with help from an enzyme.
strategy
Pigment enhances light absorptiontropical plants
Leaves of tropical plants such as Leptospermum recapture light with purple pigment.
strategy
Surface cells store waterice plant
The leaves of ice plants store water in surface bladder-like cells.