Biomimicry - Better Design Inspired by Nature

In this video by Tree Media, the woman who has led the Biomimicry revolution, Janine Benyus, explains this fascinating field of work that combines science, engineering, design, and sustainability.

Discover Nature’s hidden sustainability secrets

Learning from Nature can help us create a healthy and sustainable world where humans live in harmony with the environment. When we develop solutions to our biggest environmental problems, like plastic pollution, it makes sense to look to Nature for ideas. People who study biomimicry observe nature then use engineering, design, chemistry, biology, and more to apply Nature’s way to human-made technologies and systems. A good place for young biomimics to start, is to learn about the 10 unifying patterns of nature – the rules that Nature follows.

10 unifying patterns of Nature

People studying biomimicry have observed certain patters emerging in how Nature and her systems work.

Visual explains 10 unifying patterns of nature

Learn more about these patterns with the explanations and examples in this resource created by Biomimicry Institute.

Play the matching game!

Practice being a biomimic by matching each of the following statements with one of the 10 unifying patterns of Nature using the form below.

Example 1. A hawk's wingspan is just the right length to suspend the weight of the bird in flight.*
Example 2. A cat's tongue has small hooks that help it groom itself.*
Example 3. A lotus leaf repels water without using harmful substances, like the PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyls substances) humans use to waterproof things.*
Example 4. Flowers bloom in response to local conditions like temperature, light, and soil moisture.*
Example 5. Worms turn decaying plants into nutrients that help new plants grow.*
Example 6. After a forest fire, new plants emerge that start rebuilding the habitat.*
Example 7. Fireflies flash unique patterns to find compatible mates.*
Example 8. Coral builds solid structures from abundant molecules in the sea water: carbonate and calcium ions.*
Example 9. A clown fish and sea anemone help each other survive.*
Example 10. A plant uses sunlight to grow.*
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**Playing as a group or in the classroom?

Cut out these matching game cards for a group activity: Be a Biomimic Matching Game – Print and Cut out Cards, or upload this Google Doc to your LMS for a home assignment: Be a Biomimic Matching Game – Google Doc.

See our Answer Key for easy grading: Be a Biomimic – Answer Key.

Dig Deeper

Go outside and look for evidence of these 10 patterns! Record your findings with this Become a Biomimic Field Notebook.

Biomimicry is an exciting new field with endless ideas to explore. Here are some of our favorite biomimicry resources to explore:

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Biomimicry – Better Design Inspired by Nature