Browse biomimicry

Cooperate and compete

Between (eco)systems (1)
Between different species (30)
Within a (eco)system (17)
Within the same species (16)

Coordinate

Activities (22)
Groups (self-organize) (17)
Systems (3)

Provide ecosystem services

Biological control of populations, pests, diseases (15)
Control erosion and sediment (13)
Cycle nutrients (23)
Detoxification/purification of air/water/waste (5)
Disperse seeds (27)
Generate soil/renew fertility (11)
Maintain biodiversity (38)
Pollinate (8)
Regulate atmospheric composition (1)
Regulate climate (4)
Regulate habitat response to disturbance (29)
Regulate hydrological flows (5)
Regulate water storage (6)

Tension releases seeds: broom

Evaporation releases seeds: Brazilian hura trees

Structures facilitate pollen dispersal: pine trees

Spring directs spore dispersal in low humidity: horsetail

Lower water content releases seeds: petunia

Fire opens seed capsules: banksia

Seedpod autorotates: sycamore

Juice launches seeds: squirting cucumber

Lightweight structure aids dispersal: dandelions

Surface tension flings spores: fern

Seeds survive extreme falls: Brazil nut tree

Native plants persist in changing conditions: wetland ecosystems

Seed dispersal aids recovery from disturbance: tropical rain forests

Seeds survive various conditions: mangroves

Capsules launch seeds: Namaqualand mesems

Seeds float to the best conditions: red mangrove

Saucer-like structure aids spore dispersal: bird's nest fungus

Double-layered ball assists spore dispersal: earthstar fungus

Fruiting tree holds key role in forest: Caesaria tree

Seeds dispersed over long distances: Anisoptera tree

Seeds are dispersed long distances: South African grapple plant

Seeds dispersed across the sea: sea bean

Seeds survive long sea voyages: coconut palm

Seeds disperse long distances: liana

Leading edge of seed creates vortex lift: maple

Seeds disperse by jet action: ice plants

Dead branches release seeds: Jericho rose