Coral reefs provide a beautiful, as well as crucial, ecosystem for life underwater. Coral reefs act as ecosystem engineers, shaping their surroundings and influencing the entire ecosystem. If an ecosystem engineer disappears, the whole ecosystem may collapse. Coral reefs grow extremely slowly; consequently, it is vital to care for and protect these areas. It is estimated that some of the largest reefs took as long as 30 million years to form. There are different types of corals – some look like fans, trees, mushrooms, honeycombs and even brains. The largest coral reef in the world is the renowned Great Barrier Reef, visible even from outer space.
Coral reefs are the primary ecosystem engineers in our oceans who modify their landscape, provide homes for other species and influence the overall health of their environment. These reefs face threats from pollution, acidification and the effects of climate change, particularly the rising ocean temperature and the severity and frequency of tropical storms. The biodiversity of the rich coral reef ecosystem is threatened by these changes.
Coral reefs live in symbiosis with single-celled algae, which photosynthesise and use the energy of sunlight to make sugar from water and carbon dioxide. When the temperature rises, it is very stressful for the corals, which may expel these symbiotic algae. This causes the coral to lose its vibrant colours. In a final, desperate attempt to survive, some coral starts glowing in fluorescent colours to lure the algae back – a glowing underwater garden is created.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learn to design and problem-solving. Instead of inventing from scratch, it means studying how plants, animals, and ecosystems have already solved a challenge — like staying cool, collecting water, or absorbing carbon — and adapting that strategy for human use.
How does biomimicry help address climate change?
Nature has been adapting to extreme conditions for billions of years, so many organisms already hold working solutions to problems we now face at a larger scale — cooling buildings without electricity (termite mounds), collecting water in drought (the Namib beetle), protecting coastlines from storms (mangrove roots), and capturing carbon (corals, forests, kelp). Biomimicry means studying those solutions and applying the same principles to human design.
How can children get involved in biomimicry?
Children don’t need special training to think like a biomimicrist — just curiosity and a habit of asking “how does nature solve this?” Simple ways to start include a backyard scavenger hunt for nature’s patterns, a “design-an-animal” challenge for a changing climate, or building a small model (like a passive-cooling structure or a water collector) inspired by something they’ve observed outdoors.
Is biomimicry only for scientists and engineers?
No — biomimicry is as much a mindset as a profession. Anyone can practice it by observing nature closely and asking design questions. Professional biomimicry practitioners apply it in architecture, materials science, and engineering, but the same core skill — careful observation followed by “what if we built it that way?” — is exactly what this post’s classroom and family activities are designed to build in children.
Åsa Jomård
In 2015, Åsa completed a course in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. With over 10 years of experience exploring nature for inspiration and as a former member of Ben, Biomimicry Education Network, she brings both academic background and creative teaching experience to her work. Her materials seamlessly integrate stories, nature observations, and design challenges, making them perfect for inquiry-led learning in early primary contexts.
AI was used as a Thinking Partner.