WAS IT DESIGNED?
The Butterfly’s Wing
THE wings of a butterfly are so fragile that even the weight of specks of dust or drops of moisture could make flying difficult. Nevertheless, the wings stay clean and dry. What is the butterfly’s secret?
The butterfly’s wing has minute overlapping scales
Consider: Researchers at Ohio State University studying the Giant Blue Morpho butterfly (Morpho didius) found that although the insect’s wings look smooth to the naked eye, the surfaces are covered with minute overlapping scales that resemble tiles on a roof. Even tinier parallel grooves on the surface of these scales cause dirt or drops of water to roll off with ease. Engineers are seeking to copy the wings’ texture in order to make high-tech coatings for industry and medical equipment that are resistant to dirt and water.
The butterfly’s wing is another example of how science is trying to mimic the designs found in living things. “Nature is full of engineering marvels, from the micro to the macro scale, that have inspired mankind for centuries,” says researcher Bharat Bhushan.
What do you think? Did the butterfly’s wing come about by evolution? Or was it designed?
You May Also Like
AWAKE!
The Shape of Seashells
The shape and structure of seashells serve to protect the mollusks that live inside them.
AWAKE!
The Brilliant Blue of the Pollia Berry
This berry contains no blue pigment, yet it exhibits the most intense blue known in any plant. What is the secret behind its brilliant color?
AWAKE!
The Sea Otter’s Fur—Was It Designed?
Some aquatic mammals rely on a thick layer of blubber to stay warm. The sea otter uses a different method.
AWAKE!
The Landing Strategy of the Honeybee
What makes its strategy ideal for use in the guidance systems of flying robots?
AWAKE!
The Compound Heat Shield of the Saharan Silver Ant
This insect is one of the most heat-tolerant animals known. What enables it to survive extreme temperatures?
AWAKE!
The Byssus of the Marine Mussel
Marine mussels anchor themselves by means of threads. Understanding how these work could help devise new and better ways of attaching equipment to buildings, or tendons to bones.
