biomimicry

biomimicry, according to the dictionary, is the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modelled on biological entities and processes. this can be seen as a form of analogical thinking. one very interesting example that i found is the shinkansen bullet train, which was inspired by the kingfisher.
due to the birdwatching hobbies of engineer nakatsu, he remembers that the kingfisher dives cleanly at high speeds from one medium (water) to another that is 800 times more denser (air) and surmised that the shape of its bill was what allowed the bird to do so.
due to being inspired by the kingfisher, the bullet train is now more efficient and it does not need to exert so much energy. it is faster, less money, fuel and power is used, and it is also quieter.