Animals Inspire Human Development

Humans are at the top of the evolutionary chain.sixty hours.
At least that's what most of us like to believe. ToPit Vipers can differentiate between the heat
believe anything else would jeopardise our claim asgiven off by possible prey and the heat
planetary rulers and do tremendous damage toemanating from its surrounding rocky
many fragile egos. We may have learnt to walkenvironment. This ability comes from granules in
on two legs, use our opposable thumbs, andtheir nostrils that are sensitive to changes in heat
develop writing systems, but that doesn't makewithin a perimeter that extends beyond its
us the pinnacle of existence. The truth is that nostriking distance. Scientists mimicked this ability
matter how advanced we think we are, we lookand used it in the creation of thermal imaging
to animals for inspiration when thinking up manytechnology. Thermal imaging is used in detecting
new technologies.volcanic activity, to track the effects and pace of
Dolphins, like humans, need to be conscious orglobal warming, and by police and the military in
maintain a certain level of awareness to breathe.locating body heat.
Both species also need to rest their brains byAn application with more functionality for general
entering into an unconscious state. Humans simplypublic use is the study of tree frogs to improve
go to sleep, but if dolphins switched offthe stickiness and re usability of stick tape. The
completely as we do, they would drown. In theIndian Institute of Technology studied tree frogs,
interests of self-preservation, they have evolvedand their toe pads in particular, to determine how
the ability to shut down one half of their brain atthey managed to adhere to various surfaces.
a time. This ensures that they maintain enoughThey discovered that the footpads had tiny
awareness to tend to their physical needs, whilechannels on them, which enhanced frogs' sticking
getting much needed rest.ability. This breakthrough led to the design of an
Being able to function on half a brain while lettingadhesive layer of elastic tiers with channels for air
the other half rest would be an invaluable ability inor water. The upshot was reusable tape with 30
many professions. Military personnel could staytimes the stickiness of current adhesive tape.
awake and alert in dangerous situations, andThe influence of animals can be seen everywhere:
doctors would be able handle their demanding shiftthe construction of birds' wings helped refine
schedules. This raises the question of capability.wings on aeroplanes. The ability of hummingbirds
Dolphins use the ability to maintain basicto hover was instrumental in the design of
functioning. Doctors and members of the militaryhelicopters. And the construction of buildings is
need higher levels of functioning, as they arenow being adapted along the lines of termite
responsible for other lives. Would you trust amounds to conserve energy. We may consider
neurosurgeon with half of his or her brain asleep?ourselves the epitome of evolution, but our
Nevertheless, efforts are being made tocontinued borrowing from lower life forms lends
manufacture stimulants that would allow people toitself to the conclusion that our pride in our abilities
mimic dolphins and maintain awareness for overis severely misguided.