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.
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.
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.
strategy
Stream remodeling alters ecosystemsAmerican beaver
Beavers alter ecosystems by cutting trees and shrubs and creating mosaics of wetlands, moist meadows, and ponds.
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.
strategy
Microscopic holes deter fracturesstarfish
Ossicles of starfish resist fractures via microscopic holes in the structure.
strategy
Plants minimize water lossdesert
Plants in arid ecosystems self-organize to minimize water loss and aid plant and seed survival.
strategy
Group minimizes wind resistancepelicans
Pelicans flying in groups adjust their spacing to minimize wind resistance.
strategy
Skin is a multifunctional materialhuman
Skin of humans serves multiple functions (sensing, healing, actuation, etc.) because of integrated components that all work together.
strategy
Individuals avoid contactmosquitofish
Fish move synchronously in shoal by reacting dynamically to the nearest neighbor fish.
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.
strategy
Self-organization creates efficient coloniessocial insects
Self-organization in social insect colonies enables complex behaviors through the positive feedback amplification of many small, simple interactions.
strategy
Communicating over long distancescassowaries
Cassowaries communicate over long distances in dense rainforest using low frequency booming sounds.
strategy
Fins used to communicatefish
Fins of some fish send a warning signal to fellow fish or synchronize movements by vibrating.