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All living organisms are uniquely adapted to the environment in which they live. Scientists are studying the design and the biological processes of these organisms to get ideas for products and technologies. This field of study is called biomimetics. Here are two examples.
Toucan Bills(巨嘴鸟的嘴) and Car Safety
Toucan usually has enormous bills. Scientists have found that the toucan's beak is designed to be both strong and light. The surface is made of keratin, the same material in human fingernails and hair. But the inside of the bill has a foam-like structure and is made up of a network of light, thin pieces of bone. It contains a lot of air, and some areas are hollow, not solid. This design makes the bill hard but very light.
The design of the toucan bill can be used to make cars and planes safer. Studies show that the beak's structure can absorb high energy impacts very well. Car body panels that mimic toucan bills may offer better protection to motorists involved in crashes.
Shark Scales and Swimsuits
Shark skin may look smooth, but it's actually rough. Sharks are covered in scales made from the same material as their teeth.Viewed up close, the scales actually look like tiny teeth. These scales protect the shark and help to keep it clean. They are also flexible and can turn or bend in the water. This movement reduces the waters drag on the shark and helps it to swim quickly.
Scientists discovered that the shortfin mako's scales(鱼鳞) vary in size and flexibility over its body. For instance the scales on the sides of the body are tapered — wide at one end and narrow at the other. They can turn up or flatten to adjust to the flow of water around the shark and to reduce drag.
Scientists believe that shark scales can inspire designs for machines that experience drag,such as airplanes. Designers are also getting ideas from shark scales for designing swimwear and coating ship bottoms.
21. Why do car body panels copy the design of toucan bill?
A. To better protect passers-by. B. To reduce the injury to drivers.
C. To decrease the chances of crashes.
D. To make cars lighter and easier to control.
22. What product or technology is inspired by shark scales?
A. Coating for ship bottoms to run faster. B. Coating for airplanes to experience drag.
C. The panel that makes the plane safer.
D. Swimwear that is smooth to keep itself clean.
23. What’s the purpose of the text?
A. To present two innovative products. B. To introduce biomimetics by example.
C. To show the unique adaptations of animals.
D. To discuss the link between humans and animals.
