Physics concept that originated from an animal source?

[GetNVan4Candy]

I need help finding some animals whose application of physics in the nature have inspired people to use the same physics in inventions/different applications.

Some animals I've thought of are:

• Bats (Radar)
• Dolphins (Sonar)
• Birds (Airplanes)

These animals would be perfect, except there aren't many social and environmental aspects I can talk about.

I just need some random animals to help me brainstorm.
If anything jumps into your mind, please post it.

 

[Rap]

I'm not sure your examples are inspirations, but just use the same technology.

Dolphins & whales (submarines)
Turtles and pillbugs and armadillos (tanks)
Flying squirrels (gliders)
(some) snakes - IR vision
bees (UV vision)(hypodermic needle)
geese (magnetic compass - cells in their brain have little magnets, I think)
most animals - camouflage
skunks (tear gas)
horned animals like deer, buffalo, etc (spears, bayonets)
venus flytrap (animal traps)
plant leaves (solar cells)
claws (studded tires)
Elephants (hoses)
deer, horses (Flex-Foot Cheetah) - they use the same energy store-release technology for running

 

[sophiecentaur]

I believe I've seen a trailer for a TV programme with that (ghastly) Richard Hammond on UK TV tonight - or fairly soon. The trailer seems to be partly along the same lines as your question.