Design features

The incredible transformation from tadpole to frog defies evolutionary explanation.

This mammal with a leathery armour was once rare in Texas, but its ‘conquest’ of that state—and beyond—conveys a strong message.

The old seafarers’ tales should not have been dismissed. Many species of squid can, and do, fly.

Did you know that the electrostatic properties of spider webs, and a ‘quirk of physics’, causes them to actively spring towards airborne objects?

Man looked to the birds, and conquered the skies. Now researchers are looking to imitate a much tinier winged creature …

Amazing design allows a tiny, fragile creature to lift objects way beyond its size.

Simply touching a baby deer could end its life.

The tiny fruit of a plant lands a big blow against evolution.

‘Autopoiesis’ (self-making) shows that all aspects of life lie beyond naturalistic explanations.

Far from being examples of ‘primitive’ creatures, trilobite fossils have perfectly designed eyes.

Designers of flying robotic drones have tried and failed to make autonomous landing systems, despite using lasers, radars, sonars and GPS technology. So how do bees do it so easily?

The father gives birth and it has no evolutionary links. It may be the world’s most baffling fish!

Exposing the underground: slavery, deceit, class distinctions, farming, warfare … sound familiar?

Few creatures alive today incite more fear and awe than these fierce marine predators with their razor-sharp teeth. But not all sharks are harmful to man.

Seals were once mercilessly hunted for economic benefit. The more we learn of these special marine animals, the more we can appreciate the unique wisdom in their design.

Famous for their dam-building, beavers have their own built-in ‘goggles’ to see clearly underwater.