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Evolution and Bio-Inspired Design: Natural Limitations

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Biologically Inspired Design

Abstract

Biomimetics is the incorporation of novel structures and mechanisms from nature into the design and function of engineered systems. Promotion of biomimicry has been justified on the basis that evolution has modified structures and functions in organisms to achieve optimal solutions and maximize performance. Such justifications reflect an incomplete understanding of evolution and constraints imposed on biology. Evolution is not a conscious or predictive process and does not drive toward perfection. Organisms are not optimal with regard to any one specific function. Where a biological feature will out-perform available technologies, these features can be targeted for assimilation into bio-inspired designs. For engineers and entrepreneurial investors interested in a biomimetic approach, an understanding of evolution and the limitations and constraints that have shaped biological organisms are necessary to avoid unsupportable and overzealous claims.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Anthony Nicastro and Janet Fontanella for their comments on the manuscript. We also great appreciate the cooperation of Drs. Hilary Bart-Smith, Keith Moored, Hossein Haj-Hariri, Tetsuya Iwasaki, and Alexander Smits on the robotic manta project. This chapter is based in part on research performed with support from the Office of Naval Research grant no. N000140810642 to FEF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, 19383, USA

    Frank E. Fish & John T. Beneski

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  1. Frank E. Fish
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  2. John T. Beneski
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Correspondence to Frank E. Fish .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 30332, USA

    Ashok K Goel

  2. , Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 411 Mechanical Engineering Office,3123 TAMU, College Station, 77843-3123, USA

    Daniel A McAdams

  3. , School of Mechanical, Industrial, and, Oregon State University, 204 Rogers Hall, Corvallis, 97331, USA

    Robert B. Stone

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Fish, F.E., Beneski, J.T. (2014). Evolution and Bio-Inspired Design: Natural Limitations. In: Goel, A., McAdams, D., Stone, R. (eds) Biologically Inspired Design. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5248-4_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5248-4_12

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