Some of the most fascinating developments in technology have been inspired by animals — sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
The world around us is full of hidden wonders — and nature often does a lot better in many things than we humans can muddle. Increasingly, scientists and inventors are turning to the natural world for inspiration. Known as biomimicry, the practice examines the ways in which plants and animals are more efficient — and then applies those methods to human invention.
Click through the gallery below to see some of the absolutely astonishing ways in which animals are changing our lives.