BI-O-MIM-IC-RY (from the Greek bios, life, and mimesis, imitation)
Nature as a model. Biomimicry is a new science that studies nature's momdels and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems, e.g., a solar cell inspired by a leaf.
Humbling also are the hordes of organisms casually performing feats we can only dream about. Bioluminescent algae splash chemicals together to light their body lanterns. Arctic fish and frogs freeze solid and then spring to life, having protected their organs from ice damage. Black bears hibernate all winter without poisoning themseles on their urea, while their polar cousins stay actie, with a coat of transparent hollow hairs covering their skins like the panes of a greenhouse. Chameleons and cuttlefish hide without moving changing the patter of their skin to instantly blend with their surroundings. Bees, turtles, and birds navigate without maps, while whales and penguins dive without scuba gear. How do they do it? How do dragonflies out maneuver our best helicopters? How do hummingbirds cross the Gulf of Mexico on lexx than one tenth of an ounce of fuel? How do ants carry the equivalent of hundreds of pounds in a dead heat through the jungle?
Renewable, Reliable, Remarkable
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