Nature's Engineers

Science and Technology · 10 questions

Problems evolution solved first, and the inventions we copied from it.

Answer each question first, then check with “Show the answer”. You can also play the same quiz in the Quizera app by searching for it in Explore, as a live game, a test or flashcards.

1. The nose of Japan's high-speed train was redesigned after studying which animal?

   1. The kingfisher
   2. The eagle
   3. The dolphin
   4. The eel
   Show the answer

   A) The kingfisher

2. What inspired the invention of hook-and-loop fastener, better known as Velcro?

   1. The stickiness of spider silk
   2. Plant burrs clinging to fur
   3. The grip of a beaver's teeth
   4. The clasp of a seashell
   Show the answer

   B) Plant burrs clinging to fur

3. What is the main advantage of the hexagonal cells bees build?

   1. Better reflection of heat
   2. Much faster construction
   3. Greater resistance to wind
   4. Most space for the least wax
   Show the answer

   D) Most space for the least wax

4. The self-cleaning 'lotus effect' was copied from which part of the plant?

   1. The structure of its roots
   2. The scent of its flowers
   3. The surface of its leaves
   4. The shape of its seeds
   Show the answer

   C) The surface of its leaves

5. The silent flight of owls inspired quieter designs in which technology?

   1. Aircraft radar antennas
   2. Wind turbine blades
   3. Night vision camera lenses
   4. Submarine sonar domes
   Show the answer

   B) Wind turbine blades

6. The rough microstructure of shark skin was imitated in which field?

   1. Fire-resistant fabrics
   2. Thermal insulation panels
   3. Waterproof paints
   4. Drag-reducing swimsuits
   Show the answer

   D) Drag-reducing swimsuits

7. The ventilation logic of termite mounds has been applied to what?

   1. Naturally cooled buildings
   2. Offshore drilling rigs
   3. Water treatment plants
   4. Bridge foundations
   Show the answer

   A) Naturally cooled buildings

8. Weight for weight, spider silk can outperform steel in tensile strength.

   1. True
   2. False
   Show the answer

   A) True

9. Bat echolocation works on the same basic principle as sonar.

   1. True
   2. False
   Show the answer

   A) True

10. The skin of a polar bear is white, just like its fur.

    1. True
    2. False
    Show the answer

    B) False