Animal Adaptations and Engineering Design www.beyondbenign.org

Extension: “Biomimicry – Wasps” Link to sound bite https://www.pulseplanet.com/dailyprogram/dailies.php?POP=4583 Now talk about what you’ve learned with a partner or group!

Peacock feathers: Peacocks derive their color from microscopic structures on their feathers. When light shines on the feather, it is bounces off these structures to show a particular color, like the colors in a soap bubble. Scientists are designing protective coatings for cars based on the very small structures on peacock feathers. Image courtesy of Alex Duarte / Wikimedia Commons

Image courtesy of Karta24 / Wikimedia Commons Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds have a unique ability to sustain hovering by flapping their wings forwards and backwards. A new wind turbine has been engineered to flap rather than spin which increases its energy efficiency, as it is able to generate energy on both the upstroke and downstroke. Image courtesy of Aloxe / Wikimedia Commons