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Tomke Asendorf: Favorites Edit title

Profile PhotoTomke AsendorfOctober 4, 2014
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strategy

Wings allow movement in viscous solutionsfairy fly

Wings of fairy flies allow them to move in relatively viscous solutions by being feathery rather than solid structures.

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Move in/on liquidsMove in/through gases
strategy

Tissues resist bending under stressgiant green anemone

Anemones resist bending because of the high stress resistance of the tissues and the distance of those tissues from the axis of bending.

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Manage impactManage shear
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

Beavers remodel land and stream ecosystemsAmerican beaver

Beaver dams change stream flows and create a patchwork of habitat diversity.

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Control erosion and sedimentMaintain biodiversityRegulate hydrological flows
strategy

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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Disperse seeds
strategy

Microscopic holes deter fracturesstarfish

Ossicles of starfish resist fractures via microscopic holes in the structure.

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Prevent fracture/rupture
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

Group minimizes wind resistancepelicans

Pelicans flying in groups adjust their spacing to minimize wind resistance.

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Cooperate within the same speciesCoordinate activitiesCoordinate by self-organizationManage turbulenceModify buoyancyMove in/through gasesOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Skin is a multifunctional materialhuman

Skin of humans serves multiple functions (sensing, healing, actuation, etc.) because of integrated components that all work together.

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Coordinate activitiesCoordinate systemsOptimize shape/materials
strategy

Individuals avoid contactmosquitofish

Fish move synchronously in shoal by reacting dynamically to the nearest neighbor fish.

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Coordinate by self-organizationNavigate through liquidRespond to signals
strategy

Sensory bristles organize with minimum communicationfruit flies

The sensory organ precursors (starting point of sensory bristles) of fruit flies organize themselves with minimal knowledge and communication.

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Coordinate systemsRespond to signalsSense shape and pattern in a living system
strategy

Colonies self-organizesocial insects

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

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Cooperate within the same speciesCoordinate activitiesCoordinate by self-organization
strategy

Communicating over long distancescassowaries

Cassowaries communicate over long distances in dense rainforest using low frequency booming sounds.

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Send sound signalsSense sound and other vibrations from the environment
strategy

Fins used to communicatefish

Fins of some fish send a warning signal to fellow fish or synchronize movements by vibrating.

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Coordinate activitiesProtect from animalsSense sound and other vibrations from the environment
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Contributed by Tomke Asendorf
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