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petra gruber: Favorites Edit title

Profile Photopetra gruberJanuary 8, 2010
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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.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Distribute energySend light signals in the non-visible spectrum
strategy

Leaves focus lightbegonias

The leaves of begonias maximize photosynthesis in low-light conditions by using clear surface cells to focus light.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Capture, absorb, or filter energy
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.'

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Sense light (visible spectrum) from the environment
strategy

Eye structure enhances night visionvertebrates

The tapetum lucidum of many vertebrates enhances night vision by reflecting light back to photoreceptors in the eye.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Modify light/colorSense light (visible spectrum) from the environment
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.

Profile PhotoEli Weissman
Sense light (visible spectrum) from the environment
strategy

Hunting in the darkpiranha

Eyes of piranhas can see in dark, murky waters because they can detect far-red light.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Capture, absorb, or filter organismsSense light (visible spectrum) from the environment
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.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Transform chemical energy
strategy

Wing scales cause light to diffract and interfereMorpho butterflies

Wings of Morpho butterflies create color by causing light waves to diffract and interfere.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Modify light/color
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.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Navigate over landNavigate through airNavigate through liquidSense light (non-visible spectrum) from the environment
strategy

Light generated chemicallyfirefly

Fireflies inhale oxygen and exhale light with help from an enzyme.

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Transform radiant energy (light)
strategy

Pigment enhances light absorptiontropical plants

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

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Capture, absorb, or filter energy
strategy

Surface cells store waterice plant

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

Profile PhotoAskNature Team
Store liquids
Profile Photo
Contributed by petra gruber
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