Biomimicry: definition & examples (explained with drawings)

Summary

In this video, we explore biomimicry, the concept of drawing inspiration from nature to solve sustainability challenges. From humpback whale-inspired turbine blades that boost efficiency by 20% to the Kingfisher-styled Shinkansen train that reduces noise and energy use, biomimicry showcases how learning from nature's billions of years of R&D can lead to innovative solutions. Visit biomimicry.org and asknature.org to delve deeper into this practice.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Biomimicry is the practice of imitating life to find sustainable solutions to human challenges.
• 🤔 It draws inspiration from nature, which has spent billions of years perfecting survival strategies.
• 🏙️ Human innovation has led to sustainability challenges, and biomimicry offers a way to address these.
• 🐳 Humpback whale flippers, with their tubercules, inspired more efficient turbine blades for wind and hydroelectric power.
• 🚄 The Shinkansen bullet train was redesigned based on the Kingfisher's beak to reduce noise and increase speed and efficiency.
• 💡 Biomimicry can lead to policies, products, and processes that are better adapted to life on Earth.
• 🔍 Nature is a vast repository of solutions to problems, both large and small.
• 🌟 Efficiency gains from biomimicry can make alternative energy sources more competitive with traditional ones.
• 🌍 Solutions inspired by nature can have significant environmental and economic benefits.
• 🔗 For more on biomimicry, visit biomimicry.org and asknature.org for stories and examples.

Q & A

What is biomimicry?

Biomimicry is the practice of imitating life, where we look to nature to provide inspiration and direction for sustainable solutions to our most pressing challenges.

Why is biomimicry important for addressing sustainability challenges?

Biomimicry is important because it leverages the billions of years of research and development that nature has undergone to create efficient and sustainable solutions that are adapted to life on Earth.

How long have plants, animals, and microbes been 'engineering' solutions to survive on Earth?

Plants, animals, and microbes have been engineering and testing ways to thrive on Earth for approximately 3.8 billion years.

What is an example of biomimicry in sustainable energy provision?

Inspired by the tubercles on humpback whale flippers, WhalePower has developed turbine blades with similar bumps to increase efficiency in wind and hydroelectric turbines, among other applications.

How much increased efficiency can the tubercle-inspired turbine blades provide?

The tubercle-inspired turbine blades can provide up to 20% increased efficiency, making alternative energy sources more competitive.

What was the noise issue with the Shinkansen bullet train?

The Shinkansen bullet train used to create a sonic boom-like noise when emerging from tunnels, which caused complaints from people living near the train line.

How was the noise issue of the Shinkansen bullet train resolved?

The front end of the train was redesigned, taking inspiration from the beak of the Kingfisher, which allowed the train to be quieter, use 15 percent less electricity, and travel 10 percent faster.

What is the significance of the Kingfisher in the context of biomimicry?

The Kingfisher's ability to dive into water with minimal splash inspired the design of the Shinkansen bullet train, demonstrating how biomimicry can lead to significant improvements in technology.

What are two resources mentioned in the script for learning more about biomimicry?

Biomimicry.org and AskNature.org are two resources mentioned for learning more about biomimicry, including stories and examples.

How can viewers support the creation of more sustainability videos?

Viewers can support the creation of more sustainability videos by subscribing, visiting the website sustainabilityillustrated.com, or contributing on Patreon.

What is the role of human ingenuity in the context of biomimicry?

Human ingenuity plays a role in biomimicry by observing and imitating nature's successful strategies to create innovative and sustainable solutions to modern-day challenges.