長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題51

Biomimicry, the practice of learning from and mimicking nature to solve human problems, has emerged as a revolutionary approach to innovation. Scientists and engineers are increasingly turning to the natural world for inspiration, recognizing that millions of years of evolution have produced remarkably efficient solutions to complex challenges.
One of the most successful examples is the development of Velcro, inspired by the way burr seeds stick to animal fur. Swiss engineer George de Mestral observed how tiny hooks on burr seeds attached to his dog's coat during a walk in the Alps in 1941. This observation led to the creation of a fastening system that is now used in countless applications, from clothing to space equipment.
More recent innovations include shark skin-inspired swimsuits that reduce drag, gecko-inspired adhesives that work without chemicals, and butterfly wing structures that have led to more efficient solar panels. Researchers at MIT have developed a water collection system based on the Namib Desert beetle, which can harvest water from fog in arid environments.
As environmental challenges intensify, biomimicry offers sustainable solutions that work in harmony with natural systems. By studying nature's time-tested patterns and strategies, scientists believe they can develop technologies that are not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly than traditional approaches.