Can biomimicry improve how we do everything? From chain-building weaver ants to colour-changing cephalopods, nature offers an incredible source of inspiration for inventors. But some believe it has its limits.
Ant strategy could transform robotics
Better together: Weaver ants work together effectively through a remarkable system of physical cooperation and chemical communication, so an entire colony acts as a single, highly-efficient organism. Glossary
Larvae - Insects in the next stage of development after they have emerged from eggs. A caterpillar is a larva.
Mentor - A person who helps a less experienced person learn and grow by providing guidance and support.
Leonardo da Vinci - An Italian artist and inventor (1452 - 1519), considered to be one of the world's greatest geniuses. He painted the Mona Lisa and designed an early flying machine.
Biomimetic - Imitating or taking inspiration from biological systems, structures, or processes to design materials, devices, or solutions in science and engineering.
Velcro - A hook-and-loop fastener: one side has tiny hooks, the other loops. Pressed together they stick, and can be peeled apart easily.