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Ever Widening Circles

Source: Mathieu Dessus // Flickr

Science

3 minute lesson

Meet the Planet’s Most Remarkable Engineers

Ever Widening Circles

Why are ant hills shaped that way? What about termite mounds, or prairie dog holes?

Over years of trial and error, animal engineers mastered air conditioning, airflow, and “vertical farming”. All without blueprints, electricity, or a leader. So, let’s learn about how insects and other animals design their homes to do all of this!

Why It Matters

Compared to evolution, humans have barely begun to scratch the surface when it comes to design. Particularly when it comes to living in a more compatible way with the environment, we have a lot to learn from nature. Using nature as inspiration for new designs is a great way to incorporate efficiency and sustainability into everyday life.

The potential for innovation seems endless when we consider what nature has already designed.

Let's Talk About It
  1. Can you think of any other types of animals that have a unique way of doing things?
  2. Have you seen any designs with inspirations from nature in everyday life?
  3. How could using nature as inspiration help us towards a more sustainable planet?

It’s Okay To Be Smart

Joe Hanson, Ph.D. is a curious group of atoms in a curious universe, and he’s here to tell you how it all works. New science videos come out every week on the It’s Okay To Be Smart Channel!

Find Joe on Twitter: @okaytobesmart or @DrJoeHanson.

Thank You

This Touchstone was brought to us by staff writer, Kati Murphy! Thank you, Kati, for your contribution to EWCed. If you’re interested in contributing to EWCed, let us know!

Citations

“How Ingenious Animals Have Engineered Air Conditioning.” YouTube. It’s Okay To Be Smart, 13 June 2017. Web. 17 July 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W3_H01nCsM>.

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