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Created: 2011-10-24
Updated: 2011-10-24

Mounds shed water: West African termites


Mounds of West African termites are built to shed water via mushroom-like shape.

Biomimetic Application Ideas
 
Mimic termites for construction of homes, shelters, and buildings in rainy climates and for manufacturing of clothing that sheds water.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary
"In West Africa and other areas where there is heavy rain, the colonies build nests like mushrooms with flat roofs which shed the water." (Attenborough 1979:100)
About the inspiring organism
Isoptera
Isoptera


Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Mimic termites for construction of homes, shelters, and buildings in rainy climates and for manufacturing of clothing that sheds water.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Construction, manufacturing

References
Attenborough, David. 1979. Life on Earth. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company. 319 p.
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