Temporary covering protects from dirt and impact: mammals

The eyes of mammals are protected from dirt and impacts by eyelids.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from abiotic factors >
	Dirt/solids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Protective building membranes that can be deployed during sandstorms, protective skins for photovoltaic arrays for use during wind or rain storms, protective shields for industrial machinery.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Being a particularly delicate instrument, the eye needs protection -- usually, an eyelid. Most mammals have two eyelids, one above and one below, but some - such as horses and deer - have a third, inner eyelid, the nictitating membrane, which may move upwards or sideways across the eyeball. Both types of eyelid can be closed to protect the eye from a blow, or from dirt; in closing - blinking - they wipe the eyeball clean and lubricate it with teardrops." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:124)

About the inspiring organism

Mammalia
Mammalia

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Protective building membranes that can be deployed during sandstorms, protective skins for photovoltaic arrays for use during wind or rain storms, protective shields for industrial machinery.

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

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

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Curator of this page

ille
Occupation: College/University Educator
Location: Bangi, Malaysia

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