Biomimicry is the practice of using nature as inspiration for creating innovative solutions to human challenges. The article highlights eight examples of biomimicry in action, from bullet trains inspired by Kingfisher birds to ventilation systems inspired by termites.
The Kingfisher bird’s beak is used to design a more aerodynamic nose for bullet trains, reducing noise and increasing speed. Humpback whales’ tubercle fins are used to design more efficient wind turbines, improving lift and reducing drag. Sharkskin is used to create antimicrobial films that mimick the dermal denticles on a shark’s skin, reducing the growth of microorganisms.
Other examples include the Stenocara beetle’s ability to harvest water from the air, woodpeckers’ natural shock absorbers, cephalopods’ camouflage abilities, and termite mounds’ natural ventilation systems. These innovative solutions have been applied in various fields, including engineering, materials science, and architecture. By studying and mimicking nature’s designs, humans can create more efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions to real-world challenges.