Slow down and connect with the calming essence of nature through the mesmerizing world of corals. Time-lapses offer a unique window into the hidden life of these fascinating creatures. By compressing time, we witness the slow, steady growth of coral reefs, the intricate dance of marine life, and the fierce competition for survival.
These intricate ecosystems are built by tiny invertebrates called corals. These remarkable animals live in colonies, forming vast reefs by secreting calcium carbonate, which takes millions of years. To grow up toward sunlight, corals construct a framework of aragonite crystals, a form of calcium carbonate. This exact process — pulling carbon out of the surrounding water to build something solid — has inspired real companies like Biomason and Blue Planet, who are now manufacturing carbon-negative cement by copying coral’s own chemistry. Instead of releasing carbon like traditional cement, this coral-inspired version captures it.
Corals’ vibrant colours and delicate structures are a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world. They are invertebrate animals that live in colonies and form reefs by secreting calcium carbonate. They have symbiotic relationships with algae and feed on plankton and fish. Corals have tiny, tentacle-like arms to capture their food from the water and sweep it into their mouth.
Watching a time-lapse of a coral reef is like watching a silent movie of nature. It’s a mesmerising journey that reveals the intricate dance of life, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and nature’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Enjoy!
Sources
- Biomason, Biocement
- AskNature, Scalable Carbon Sequestration Inspired by the Common Stony Coral
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.