Ice nucleation captures water: lichen Fungus provides uv protection: lichens
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Ice nucleation captures water: lichen Fungus provides UV protection: lichens Communities prevent asbestos dispersion: plants and lichens Organism tolerates heat and desiccation: lichen Lichen metabolite has antimicrobial activity: lichens Leaves survive desiccation: Spanish moss Compounds repel slugs: Dicranum moss
Mechanism concentrates inorganic carbon: diatoms Algae produce oil: diatoms Tiny capsules trap prey: bladderwort Toxic blooms aid predation: dinoflagellates Moving parts are lubricated: diatoms Intricate silica architecture survives forces: diatoms Estuaries rely on ecosystem engineers: diatoms Membranes tolerate high alkalinity: cyanobacteria Organisms concentrate carbon dioxide: green algae Pulled support stalks have low flow stress: algae Leaves resist tearing: brown algae Extensibility helps stop spread of cracks: macroalgae Compounds cause UV radiation tolerance: dinoflagellates Red pigment protects against UV rays: snow algae Algae protects from freezing: snow algae Bioluminescence protects from predation: dinoflagellates Biofilm-inhibiting chemical protects surfaces: red alga Biofilm inhibition protects surfaces: freshwater algae Protective coating prevents dehydration: sea-wracks Stretchable architecture resists breakage: bull kelp Joint shaped as suction cup prevents peeling: bull kelp Spiral-shaped flow is optimal: bull kelp Blades balance light interception, drag: bull kelp Stabilized bromine protects from bacteria: kelp
Case protects during years at sea: Polynesian box fruit Flexibility encourages twisting, not bending: banana Chemical protects from disease: grapes
Juice launches seeds: squirting cucumber Convex surface geometry resists adhesion: pumpkin Skin protects from fungal pathogens: pumpkin Leaves disorient beetles, prevent attack: cucumber
Valve regulates water permeability: yellow bush lupine Seeds dispersed across the sea: sea bean Transport tubes plugged when damaged: fava bean Biofilm inhibition protects surfaces: peas Hydration increases internal pressure: legumes
Leaves optimize internal state: mangrove Seeds float to the best conditions: red mangrove Seedpod autorotates: sycamore Bill reduces drag: black skimmer Leading edge of seed creates vortex lift: maple Seed glides to earth: Alsomitra vine Single-winged seeds travel far: sycamore Seeds disperse long distances: liana Wrinkly surface provides desert camouflage: Tamaulipas living rock cactus
Fibonacci sequence optimizes packing: sunflowers Modified leaves assist climb: passion flower Flower structures protect pollen: angiosperms Pollen catapults from flower: bunchberry Hooked beak snags flowers: flowerpiercer Light-transmitting fibers: Venus flower basket Flowers follow sun: snow buttercups
Wood resists fracture: trees Leaves resist bending: trees Leaves resist gravitational loading: broad-leaved trees Resin protects damage: conifer trees Continuous fibers prevent structural weakness: trees Bark protects buds from fire: eucalyptus trees Bark resists fire: ordeal tree Branches protected from the sun: quiver tree Iridescent thin layer provides photoprotection: understory rainforest plants Features enhance cooling effect: shade trees Bark keeps surface cool under the sun: trees Elevated leaves reduce evaporation: quiver tree Tree structure reduces water loss: umbrella thorn trees Ecosystem manages poor soils: tropical rain forest Leaves protect from the elements: conifers Branches protect plant from wind: Arctic willow Flexibility limits bending in wind: trees Roots stabilize trees against wind: longleaf pine Poison protects seeds: yews Strychnine protects seeds: strychnine trees Toxic sap protects tree seeds: hura tree Coating removes unwanted organisms: trees Excretions provide antimicrobial protection: olive trees Transport system prevents spread of embolisms: conifersBurning stimulates flowering: grass treesBurning stimulates flowering: grass treesBurning stimulates flowering: grass treesBurning stimulates flowering: grass trees Investing resources increases competitive success: trees Growth rate aids fire resistance: camel's foot tree Relationships essential to pollination: Brazil nut tree viding shelter for multiple organisms: English oak Dormant buds ensure fire survival: jarrah Branches survive intense wind: live oak Poisonous sting wards off predators: nettles Trunk protected from predators: half-mens plant Torpor conserves energy: common poorwill Thin-walled tubular stems resist buckling: bamboo Plants survive repeated drying and rehydration: lesser clubmoss Vines repair themselves: pipevine Rind resists rotting: flowering plants Plants rise above flooding: peatland plants Glassiness protects plants in drought: blue gem plant Pollen coat prevents dehydration: plants Hairs prevent evaporation: arid zone plants Bulk prevents moisture loss: cushion plants Tightly packed stems insulate against cold: cushion plants Weak leaves deal with strong winds: plants Red leaves hide plants from insects: plants Plant poison neutralizes digestive juices: cotton grass Thylakoidal system transports folded proteins: plants Photosynthesis with low CO2: peatland plants Surviving low nutrient, low light conditions: peatland plants Enzyme catalyzes many reactions: plants Creating energy from sunlight: plants CO2 breakdown used in organic compound manufacturing: plants Cork bars water, dissolved ions and gases: plants Catalysts facilitate water-splitting: plants Structures optimize material use: plants Dead leaves insulate against fire: cape aloe Increasing fire resistance: Arizona fescue Nanoparticles block UV light: English ivy Waxy coating protects from heat and drought: euphorbia Flower's pattern attracts/deters insects: Aaron's beard Chemical repels insects: catnip Compounds deter insect feeding: water smartweed Dead leaves function as insulation: giant groundsel Fatty acids prevent freezing: cotton plants Small leaves buffer ambient temperature: sacred datura Flexibility reduces drag: daffodil Scales prevent structural penetration: fig Camouflage reduces herbivory: pebble plants Photosynthesis: Cooke's koki'o Flower creates heat: philodendron Structure and shape provide flexibility: vines Leaves resist crosswise tearing: grasses Floating mats adjust to water levels: beaked sedge Flexibility allows twisting, not bending, in wind: sedges Microscopic silica blades protect: meadow grasses chers prevent fungal growth: pitcher plant Fungal gardens kept free of 'weeds': leaf-cutter ants Ecosystem withstands attack: Kentucky bluegrass Fronds hyperaccumulate arsenic: ladder brake fern Cells survive extreme water loss: resurrection fern Hydrophobic surface allows self-cleaning: sacred lotus Slime inhibits evaporation: lobelia Furry bracts serve as insulation: lobelia Ice in rosette protects bud from frost: lobelia Dense covering protects from cold: snow lotus Seed coat and enzymes protect seed: lotus Bract forms waterproof structure: titan arum Internal thermostat regulates temperature: skunk cabbage Leaf surfaces are hydrophobic: Lady's mantle Thick leaves, pseudobulb resist fire: Victorian orchid Compacted leaves form efficient heat insulation: grass tree Round shape reduces water loss: pebble plants Pheromone mimic repels aphids: South American potato Leaves convert photons to energy: spinach Lightweight structure aids dispersal: dandelions Symbiosis enhances pollutant breakdown: plants and microbes Roots absorb nutrients from dead leaves: cushion plants Leaves maximize sun exposure: plants Pigment enhances light absorption: tropical plants Structures maximize light absorption: plants Crystals draw sunlight into plant: window plants Pressure sucks moisture from soil: desert plants Walls keep insect feet from sticking: pitcherplants Flowers selectively attract pollinators: orchid-flower plants Internal leaf surface increases gas exchange: plants Vascular systems transport fluids and solutes: plants Xylem conduits transport water: plants Rod-like reinforcements provide strength: plants Enzymatic liquid digests insects: green pitcher-plant Hairs cause loss of footing: marsh pitchers Long roots grow in saline water: Tamarix tree Leaf fan optimizes cooling and wind resistance: fan palm tree Trees comb water from clouds: cloud forests Suckers steal water and nutrients: Australian Christmas tree Trees generate pressure: oaks Structures absorb amino acids: potbelly airplant Leaves capture water: bromeliads Epiphytes capture nutrients: bromeliads Membranes desalinate water: mangrove Aerating device delivers oxygen: mangroves Calming coastal waters: red mangrove Pressure makes air move: black mangrove Oxygenating soil: mangroves Tissues absorb nitrogen: haircap moss Rootlets reabsorb nutrients: giant groundsel Leaves optimize photosynthesis: giant water-lily Photosynthesis in low-light conditions: Taeniophyllum orchid Leaves focus light: begonias Leaves retain air films underwater: water fern Grooves gather water: thorny devil Water absorbed from humid air: brown dog tick Leaf arrangement collects water: epiphytes Roots absorb moisture from humid air: orchids Ribbon-like roots absorb moisture: Taeniophyllum orchid Rosettes capture fog: Tillandsia Spores are self-propelled: wood ear mushroom Filter feeding moves water: Venus flower basket Elaborate stigmas capture pollen grains: grasses Stems move air: Phragmites australis Branching pattern enhances exchange and transport: cypress Mats uniformly distribute resources: black grama grass Water aids pollination: eelgrass Elevated rings increase diversity: seaside arrowgrass Disturbances maintain heterogeneity: Great Plains mesic grasslands Species diversity maintains grasslands: Tanzania's Serengeti Plain Tree and grass savanna maintains equilibrium: Transvaal savanna Diversity creates long-term stability: prairie grassland Mutualistic relationship is maintained: fig tree and fig wasp Leaves channel water: sacred fig Internal perforations transport nutrients: sphagnum moss Vessels resist bubble formation: trees Underground storage enables regeneration: jarrah trees Interwoven trees gain structural support: tropical trees Relationship provides nutrients, stability: bracket fungi and trees Leaves deter herbivory: birch trees Wood self-assembles: trees Evaporation releases seeds: Brazilian hura trees Spiral fibers strengthen tree trunks: whitebark pine Seeds survive extreme falls: Brazil nut tree Fruiting tree holds key role in forest: Caesaria tree Vein system resilient to damage: plants Seeds disperse by jet action: ice plants Root systems control erosion: vascular plants Structural composition provides strength in changing conditions: plants Reinforced fibers provide strength: plants Lignified parenchyma cells provide strength: plants Sclereid cells prevent soft tissue collapse: plants Collenchyma cells provide strength, flexibility: plants Circular, tapering beams stabilize: plants Stems resist buckling: plants Lower water content releases seeds: petunia Surface tension flings spores: fern Hooks adhere to wooly coats: burdock Glands excrete excess salt: mangrove Old leaves help remove excess salt: mangrove Selective strategies aid competitive success: mangrove forests Collaboration benefits multiple participants: mangrove forests Seeds survive various conditions: mangroves Corky tuber stores water: Hottentot bread plant Surface cells store water: ice plant Relationship provides nutrients: pitcher plant Seeds are dispersed long distances: South African grapple plant Interaction helps retain water: forests Ecosystems recover after disturbance: forests Multiple organisms strip nutrients: forests Seed dispersal aids recovery from disturbance: tropical rain forests Disturbances help maintain diversity: western hemlock-Sitka spruce forests Disturbances maintain habitat: Scandinavian heath and beech forests Pit-and-mound topography fosters biodiversity: Douglas fir forests Fallen trees stabilize, enrich soil: Douglas fir forests Fungal root-rot renews forest: mountain hemlock forests Ecosystems recover from disturbance: forests Buttressing resists uprooting: English oak Pollen release triggered by bird landing: mistletoe Sticky berries adhere: European mistletoe Shrub maintains biodiversity: Banksia Lightweighting: Scots pine Maintaining genetic and species diversity: black mustard Seeds survive long sea voyages: coconut palm Compounds control 'weeds': fine-leaf fescue Nurse logs provide new habitat: western hemlock Tussocks enhance species diversity: upright sedges Branches provide support: Russian thistle Skeleton provides support: sponges Spicules are rigid structural materials: sponges Support cells resist compression: nasturtium Trusses provide support: Cholla cactus Fibers reinforce hydrostatic skeletons: sunflowers Leaves given structural support: giant water-lily Fibers keep tall spikes upright: titan arum Deciduous trees produce more soil water: oaks Flowers selectively deter insects: acacia Microbial biodiversity maintained: heather moorland Folds allow efficient leaf deployment: plants Roots maximize water uptake: plants Pollen survives extreme dehydration: flowering plants Flowers accommodate short growing season: alpine snowbell Orchids capture pollen: bucket orchids Pollen fastens to a bee's head: orchids Flowers increase pollen transfer: orchids More successful pollination: orchids Sticky hairs capture insects: Roridula plant Leaves change colors under different lighting: Selaginella ferns Burning stimulates flowering: grass trees Optimizing size aids survival: sessile barnacles Spring directs spore dispersal in high humidity: horsetail Oils vaporize to create scent: titan arum Cactus hides from the sun: mescal cactus Leaves glued together: grass trees Running up and down trees: treecreepers Structures facilitate pollen dispersal: pine trees Seeds dispersed over long distances: Anisoptera tree Odor attracts seed dispersers: Durio tree Hairs change position quickly: sundew Plants use osmosis to create an actuator. Leaves fold in response to touch: sensitive plant Stem sends out climbing gear: cheese plant Folding allows compact shape: hornbeam Cone scales are humidity-sensitive: pine Mutant gene flattens leaves: snapdragon Leaves have elasticity, shape memory: resurrection fern Signal directs sperm: fern Roots attach firmly: English ivy Tendrils enable upward climb: rattan palm Sticky berries adhere: Australian mistletoe Leaves modified for climbing: glory lilies Adhering to multiple substrates: blackberry Stem used for climbing: honeysuckle Seeds drilled into soil: wheat Plant growth responds to touch: wall cress Capsules launch seeds: Namaqualand mesems Leaves transmit long-distance signals: Arabidopsis Compounds protect against predators: milkweed Cyanogenic poison protects from herbivores: acacia Thermogenesis attracts pollinators: cycads Electron flow generates heat: sacred lotus Luminescence signals ripening: banana Fire opens seed capsules: banksia Bumblebees get a foothold: snapdragons Leaves signal presence of predators: acacia Underwater roots get oxygen: giant water-lily Wood reacts to bending: poplar
Mucus reduces turbulence: barracuda Highly effective swimming: fish Fins provide streamlined shape: tuna Fish maintain stability in turbulence: spotted boxfish Immune system protects from toxin: horse mackerel Mucus coat protects against stings: clownfish Respiration rate allows survival in low oxygen: blind shark Shell provides drought protection: lungfish Blood flow regulates heat exchange: alligator Glycoprotein prevents ice crystals: Antarctic ice fish Bodies stay warm in cold water: skipjack tuna Rapid color change used for protection: cuttlefish Electric organ stuns prey, deters attackers: electric catfish Stripes serve as long-distance camouflage: lionfish Pigment granules assist hiding: ray-finned fish Scales protect skin: cartilaginous fish Fins used to communicate: fish Light used for camouflage: hatchet fish Mucus has antibacterial properties: bony fish Skin inhibits microbes: shark Fish thrives in freshwater and seawater: Atlantic salmon Surviving extended confinement: lungfish Cells manage monovalent ions: fish Intestine osmoregulates: marine teleosts Lure attracts prey: anglerfish Organ generates electricity: electric stargazer Electric organs generate volts: ray Scales form protective armor: garpike Tail prevents sinking: sturgeons Gills exchange oxygen efficiently: fish Chin used to hunt: elephantnose fish Hunting in murky water: goldfish Scales form protective layer: bony fish Stream community depends on ecosystem engineers: sediment-processing fish Swimbladder retains gases: ray-finned fish Capturing prey above the water's surface: archer fish Teeth scrape and grind to break down coral: parrotfish Jelly substance provides structural support: jellyfish Excavating behavior increases ecosystem biodiversity: red grouper Gas-holding structure aids buoyancy: cuttlefish Swim bladder helps maintain buoyancy: ray-finned fish Eggs are buoyant: oviparous fish Muscular system enables jet propulsion: cuttlefish Tails aid fast swimming: swordfish Eggs adhere in seawater: cuttlefish Beak holds fish: puffin Slime reduces drag: fish Moving in tune with body size: penicillate jellyfish Pulsing used for underwater movement: jellyfish Swimming forward and backward: knife fish Skin helps save swimming energy: fish Tissue provides neutral buoyancy: ocean sunfish Electric organs used in navigation: knifefish Lateral line system acts as sonar: fish Blind cave-dwellers have super senses: Alabama cavefish Fish body is a swimming tongue: channel catfish Fish respond to magnetic fields: rainbow trout Eyes see above and below water surface: four-eyed fish Special eyes increase photosensitivity: spookfish Crystals create iridescent sheen: rainbow trout Shooting snout snags prey: sling-jaw wrasse Efficient propulsion system: bluefin tuna Sucker-like structure used to attach: remora Energy boost from vortices: bull trout Olfactory sense pinpoints spawning river: Atlantic salmon Tusks sense chemicals: Narwhal Fins taste by touch: gurnards
Baleen plates filter food: blue whale Lungs efficiently expel air: fin whale Branching protects from blockages: blue whales Lingual rete precools blood: gray whale Deep divers manage temperature: beaked whales Skin resists microorganisms: pilot whale Navigation underwater: whales Flippers provide lift, reduce drag: humpback whale Powerful tail used for swimming: humpback whale
Noise stuns prey: spinner dolphin Sound waves stun prey: bottlenose dolphin Blubber absorbs heat: bottlenose dolphin Snout reduces turbulence: dolphin Body shape reduces friction: dolphin Organs aid navigation: dolphin Chirps carry through water: dolphins Blubber structure stores and releases energy: porpoise
Teeth crush shells: walrus Tusks conserve materials: walrus
Whiskers reduce drag: harbor seals Nasal turbinates reduce water loss: northern elephant seal Bulging proboscis amplifies sound: southern elephant seal Whiskers sense prey movement: harbor seals Fur decreases water turbulence: seals Guard hairs form waterproof barrier: seals
Teeth are resilient: sea otter Ear flaps keep water out: otters
Tongue cuts through fish scales: lamprey Electric organs have many purposes: Amazon electric eel Extra jaws help hold, transport prey: moray eel Slime and fibers protect: hagfish Adapting swimming technique: lamprey Alkaline surfaces volatilize ammonia: loach Body moves smoothly through water: African freshwater electric eel Energy-efficient long distance swimming: eel Senses help navigat during migration: European eel Electricity helps communications: mormyrid electric eels
Specialized gills filter plankton: basking shark Conserving energy in times of scarcity: basking shark Light used for camouflage: velvet belly lantern shark Sharp teeth always available: nurse sharks Swimming efficiently: sharks Body designed for fast, efficient swimming: shortfin mako shark Skin reduces drag: shark Nostrils detect minute quantities of blood: great white shark Organs detect electrical currents: great white shark Spaced eyes enhance visual fields: hammerhead shark Skin detects thermal signals: blacktip reef shark Hunting in the dark: piranha
Pigment filters excessive light: balloonfish
Teeth are self-sharpening: American beaver
Stalk structure improves feeding position: sea anemone Tissues resist bending under stress: giant green anemone Relationship protects from predators: clownfish, anemones Inflating for protection: porcupinefish Body changes shape: sea anemone Supportive gel enables extreme shape change: sea anemone
Tube feet assist locomotion, feeding: lined sea star Microscopic holes deter fractures: starfish Body buffers thermal variations: sea star Limb shedding assists escape: starfish Skeleton components arranged efficiently: starfish
Vision without eyes: purple sea urchin Radiating shape makes for efficient transport: sea urchin Teeth self-sharpen: sea urchins Thin "shells" resist impact loading: sea urchins Shape distributes stress: sea urchin Crystals co-orient: purple sea urchin
Threads adhere underwater: sea cucumber Secondhand weapons protect from predators: sea slug Skin lights up when touched: swimming sea cucumber Body changes stiffness: sea cucumber
Toxins protect from predators: jellyfish Light used for instant signaling: comb jellies Moving cilia create iridescence: comb jellies
Ink cloud distracts predators: octopus Deployable web distracts predators: blanket octopus Muscular system enables jet propulsion: octopus Tentacles adhere underwater: octopus Siphon directs underwater movement: octopus
Secretions break down algal walls: stony corals Optimizing exposure to sunlight: stony corals
Matrix stiffens connective tissue: sponges
Fluid pressure provides support: blue crab Pressure provides structural support: blackback land crab Limbs sacrificed to escape predators: crabs Portable cases protect from predators: caddisflies Minerals conserved during moult: crustaceans Claw snaps shut: pistol shrimp Appendage strikes with force: mantis shrimp Breaking down wood: galatheid crab Setae draw water from mud: marsh crab Hair-like structures filter fine materials: fiddler crab Social networking aids housing search: hermit crabs Underwater sensors detect odors: spiny lobster Eyes sensitive to circular polarized light: mantis shrimp Eyes see color with precision: mantis shrimp Hairs detect changes in water current: shrimp Complex structures focus reflected light: lobster Microscopic plates produce interference colors: copepods Eyes allow periscopic vision: ghost crabs Eyes perceive polarized light: horseshoe crab
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