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(right-hand side = Vocab definitions, synonyms, prompts)

The Nature of Things: Biomimicry

Biomimicry is a fairly new word for an ancient practice. It means, “imitation of life,” and describes the practice of adopting natural structures and strategies to solve human problems. Through billions of years of evolution, organisms have faced and met the challenges of living on earth, over and over again. The stunning diversity of microbes, animals, and plants means that for every problem, nature has already produced many solutions. Biomimicry views the natural world as a vast laboratory filled with completed experiments that can be adapted to make human activities more efficient. It can be as simple as merely copying a shape, such as building fan blades that look and perform much like whale flippers. It can also be extremely complex, as in engineering filtering systems that pull salt out of seawater based on the chemical and mechanical reactions that operate across cell membranes.

Biomimicry At Work

One of the oldest and most widespread examples of biomimcry is camouflage—the use of objects, colors, or illumination to conceal or confuse an observer. Animals use camouflage to help them eat and avoid being eaten. Humans have long mimicked natural camouflage techniques in hunting and warfare. More recently, camouflage techniques have also been applied to fashion, architecture, and industrial design.

There are many different methods of camouflage. Octopi and lizards match the color and texture of their skins with nearby rocks and vegetation to blend into the background, and manmade hunting gear is painted or woven to do the same thing. Zebras have wild stripes that disrupt their outlines especially when they move in groups, and so did dazzle-painted warships in World War I. (Figure 1.1) Moths and caterpillars are shaped like leaves and twigs to fool predators, while cell phone towers are built like trees to hide their industrial clutter from neighbors. (Figure 1.2) Gazelles and whales have counter-shaded sides that flatten and minimize rounded shapes, as do color-blocked dresses. (Figure 1.3)

Figure 1.1.

Dazzle or disruptive camouflage consists of irregular patterns in contrasting colors, which breaks up the outline of an animal or object and makes it difficult for an observer to judge speed and direction. On the left, even stationary zebras merge into a confusing mass. On the right, a WWI aircraft carrier is painted with a razzle dazzle pattern to throw off the aim of enemy gunners.

Figure 1.2.

Mimesis or masquerade camouflage makes an animal or object look like something else, in order to escape notice. On the left, caterpillars avoid predators by looking more like twigs than insects. On the right, a cell phone tower is disguised as a palm tree to keep it from being a neighborhood eyesore.

Figure 1.3.

Countershading is the presence of light or dark patches along the sides of an object to counteract shadows and make it appear flatter and smaller. In the ocean, the white belly of a killer whale blends into the lightness of the sea surface when predators view it from below. On the dress, the contrasting black sides form a false background to the white center, making the dress—and wearer—appear thinner.

ancient (adjective): Describes something that is extremely old or has existed for a very long time.; synonyms: very old, prehistoric; prompts: unknown word

imitation (noun): The act of closely copying another thing; strongly resembling another thing.; synonyms: replica, simulation; prompts: unknown word

adopting (verb - gerund): The act of accepting something (an idea, appearance, practice) and using it as one's own.; synonyms: using, implementing; prompts: unknown word

evolution (noun): In biology, the process of change of animals and plants over many, many years.; synonym: transformation; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

organisms (plural noun): Living beings, such as plants, animals, and bacteria.; synonym: creatures; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

diversity (noun): The quality of having a number of types or forms.; synonym: variety; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

microbes (plural noun): Living beings that are extremely small, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.; synonym: microorganisms; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

vast (adjective): Describes something that is very large in size.; synonyms: huge, expansive; prompts: unknown word

laboratory (noun): A facility used for conducting scientific experiments.; synonyms: workshop, lab; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

efficient (adjective): Describes something that functions well without wasting resources, such as energy, time, or materials.; synonym: productive; prompts: unknown word

engineering (verb - gerund): The act of designing and making new construction, products, or technology.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown word

filtering (adjective): Describes a special system that materials (such as liquids or gas) pass through to be cleansed of impurities.; synonym: purifying; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

chemical and mechanical reactions (plural noun): Changes that occur in the molecular structure of substances (chemical) or with the actual structure of substances (mechanical). The substances interact, causing a change in those substances or a physical force, such as an explosion (reaction).; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

operate (verb): To function in a certain way.; synonym: work; prompts: unknown word

cell membranes (plural noun): Very thin coverings that surround the cytoplasm of cells that control the access of substances into or out of the cells.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

illumination (noun): Light that comes from an object.; synonyms: glow, radiance; prompts: unknown word

conceal (verb): To cover up or obscure from sight.; synonym: hide; prompts: unknown word

mimicked (verb): To copy the appearance of something.; synonym: imitated; prompts: unknown word

fashion (noun): The art and business of designing and creating popular, stylish clothing and accessories.; synonyms: couture, apparel industry; prompts: unknown word

architecture (noun): The art, science, and business of designing buildings and structures.; synonym: structural design; prompts: unknown word

industrial design (noun): The art, science, and business of planning products (examples: cars, smart phones, tennis shoes) so they are both useful and stylish.; synonym: product design; prompts: unknown word

octopi (plural noun): The plural form of "octopus," which is a sea creature with eight long tentacles that can change its appearance to blend in with its surroundings.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

texture (noun): The way something feels when it is touched. For example, the bark of a tree has a rough, bumpy texture.; synonyms: feel, quality; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

vegetation (noun): The plants that are in a particular area.; synonym: foliage; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

gear (noun): Specialized equipment for a particular activity. Hunting gear includes clothing and tools.; synonym: equipment; prompts: unknown word

disrupt the outlines (verb phrase): To break up the outlines, to change the usual shape and appearance.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown phrase

dazzle-painted (adjective): Describes something that has been camouflaged with complicated geometric patterns in bold, contrasting colors.; synonym: razzle dazzle; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

twigs (plural noun): Small, thin branches that are parts of a tree or bush.; synonym: sticks; prompts: unknown word

predators (plural noun): Animals who kill and eat other animals.; synonym: meat-eaters; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

industrial (adjective): Relating to things that are made in or have to do with factories.; synonym: manufacturing; prompts: unknown word

clutter (noun): Disordered items that create an untidy appearance.; synonym: mess; prompts: unknown word

gazelles (noun): Animals in the antelope family that are small, fast, and graceful.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

counter-shaded (adjective): Describes an animal that has a protective variation in color. Areas that are exposed to light (like backs) are a darker color, where areas usually in the shade (like the underside) are a lighter color; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown term

color-blocked (adjective): Describes a pattern of patches with an alternating pair or mix of solid colors.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown word

disruptive (adjective): Something that interrupts, breaks up, or changes a situation or thing.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown word

irregular (adjective): Describes something that is not evenly distributed.; synonym: asymmetrical; prompts: unknown word

contrasting (adjective): Describes something that is different from another thing to which it is compared. In this case, contrasting colors describe two very different colors, such as black and white.; synonym: different; prompts: unknown word

stationary (adjective): Describes something that is standing still.; synonym: unmoving; prompts: unknown word

merge (verb): To come together; to join.; synonyms: unite, combine; prompts: unknown word

mass (noun): A group of things.; synonyms: gathering, crowd; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

razzle dazzle (adjective). A specific type of camouflage that uses complicated geometric patterns in bold, contrasting colors.; synonym: dazzle-painted; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

mimesis (noun): The act of closely copying another thing; closely resembling another thing.; synonym: imitation; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

masquerade (noun): The act of appearing in a way that is costumed or not real.; synonym: trick; prompts: unknown word

eyesore (noun): An object or structure that takes away from the beauty of natural scenery.; synonyms: blot on the landscape, blemish; prompts: unknown word

patches (plural noun): Small parts of an area that are different from the areas around them.; synonyms: areas, splotches; prompts: unknown word

counteract (verb): To cancel out or act against something.; synonym: offset; prompts: unknown word

surface (noun): The top layer of an object. (In this case, the very top of the water.); synonym: top; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

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(right-hand side = Vocab definitions, synonyms, prompts)

Don't Sink My Battleship!

In the early days of World War I, German submarines devastated the British and American fleets. Submariners would sneak up on a moving ship, watch it just long enough to figure out its speed and direction, and then fire torpedoes into the ship's path. There was little that surface boats could do to hide from submarines. Although the military was very good at camouflaging troops and tanks on land, ships couldn't be painted to blend into the background because the colors of the sea and the sky are always changing. But then the British had a startling idea—if they can't hide them, why not make the ships stand out instead? They decided to paint them in contrasting colors and random patterns, like zebras and giraffes, animals that are easy to spot but hard to track because the patterns they wear break up their outline. The Navy called this disruptive camouflage razzle dazzle: odd, irregular patterns and colors that would confuse enemy gunners and throw off their aim by disguising the shape and motion of their ships.

Applying the razzle dazzle idea took a lot more than handing sailors buckets of paint and letting them have it. First, a wooden model of each ship was built to scale and then handed off to artists who designed and painted individualized patterns. Next, the dazzled model was placed next to a matching one painted plain gray and then the two were placed in front of various simulated backgrounds of water and sky. Designers studied the pair through periscopes to judge how well the camouflage worked and made adjustments as needed. After the pattern was approved, precise plans of the color scheme were drafted and sent to where the actual ship was docked.

Next, using the pattern plan as a guide, the outline of the camouflage was marked in chalk on the ship like a giant paint-by-numbers kit. Finally, the shapes were filled in with paint. If there was time in the rush of war, a ship might be photographed in the harbor and out at sea to assess how well the designed pattern was followed and how effective it was at disguising the vessel's movements.

Over the course of the two World Wars, several thousand Allied ships were outfitted in dazzle camouflage. It isn't clear how effective the technique was—the number of sinkings did drop sharply, but that may have been caused by other schemes adopted at the same time, such as grouping ships into large, guarded convoys. Although razzle dazzle was a great morale builder among the crews, it gradually fell out of use as sonar and radar technology replaced optical targeting systems that depended on the human eye.

Battleship (noun): A very large ocean military ship that has large guns used for fighting wars overseas.; synonym: warship; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

submarines (plural noun): A seafaring ship that can travel very deep under the water.; synonym: U-boats; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

devastated (verb): To completely destroy or inflict great damage to something.; synonym: demolished; prompts: unknown word

fleets (plural noun): A group of military ships that are controlled by a central leader.; synonyms: convoys, armadas; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

torpedoes (plural noun): Tube-shaped bombs that are fired from below the water, usually from submarines.; synonyms: missiles; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

surface boats (plural noun): Ships that are sailing on the top of the water, as opposed to submarines under the water.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown term

startling (adjective): Describes something that is surprising or shocking.; synonym: astounding; prompts: unknown word

patterns (plural noun): A repeated set of graphic design elements, such as stripes, checks, or blocks of color.; synonym: motifs; prompts: unknown word

gunners (plural noun): Military soldiers who operate large guns.; synonym: artillerymen; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

disguising (verb - gerund): Hiding or masking something.; synonym: camouflaging; prompts: unknown word

to scale (adjective): Describes something that is built with the same ratio of proportions as a real thing, either smaller or larger. (In this case, a smaller, proportionally built version of each ship was created.); synonym: model; prompts: unknown word

individualized (adjective): Describes something that is created especially for a specific item.; synonym: customized; prompts: unknown word

various (adjective): Describes an assortment of things, a variety.; synonym: diverse; prompts: unknown word

simulated (adjective): Describes something that is created to appear, feel, or behave entirely like something. (In this case, a simulated background might have looked like the ocean on a cloudy day, or at night.); synonym: replicated; prompts: unknown word

designers (plural noun): People who plan and create how something is made.; synonym: artists; prompts: unknown word

periscopes (plural noun): Telescoping devices using lenses and mirrors that are especially used for looking at the surface of the water from a submarine.; synonym: viewfinders; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

adjustments (plural noun): Changes that are made to improve how something functions.; synonyms: modifications, fine-tuning; prompts: unknown word

precise (adjective): Describes a way of working that is exact.; synonym: accurate; prompts: unknown word

color scheme (noun): A specific grouping of colors selected during the design of an object.; synonym: color palette; prompts: unknown word

drafted (verb): To create a plan or sketch of something.; synonym: planned; prompts: unknown word

docked (verb): To tie up a boat in a harbor.; synonym: moored; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

paint-by-numbers kit (noun): An arts and crafts set where numbers that correlate to specific colors are noted in small sections of an image as directions for how to paint the picture.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown term

photographed (verb): To take pictures of something with a camera.; synonyms: capture images, take a picture; prompts: unknown word

harbor (noun): A waterfront area (in an ocean or lake) that is an area of safety for ships to approach land and dock.; synonym: port; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

assess (verb): To evaluate or judge.; synonym: appraise; prompts: unknown word

vessel (noun): A large boat.; synonym: ship; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

Allied (proper noun as adjective): Describes the forces of the powers in World War I and World War II who were opposed to the Central Powers (in WWI) or the Axis Powers (in WWII). The United States was part of the Allied Forces in both World Wars.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

outfitted (verb): To provide equipment for a specific purpose.; synonym: equipped; prompts: unknown word

schemes (plural noun): Plans meant to achieve a goal.; synonyms: methods, ideas; prompts: unknown word

convoys (plural noun): A group of ships, vehicles, or people that are travelling together, usually for defensive measures.; synonym: fleet; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

morale (noun): The collective feelings of a group of people who are working toward a common cause. Morale can be said to be high if a group is functioning well and is getting along. Morale can be said to be low if a group is not getting along or a situation looks grim.; synonym: spirits; prompts: unknown word

fell out of use (verb phrase): To stop using certain methods because new technology or methods are introduced.; synonyms: became obsolete, outdated; prompts: unknown word

sonar (noun): A technological device that uses sound waves to locate things that are underwater, such as ships.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

radar (noun): A technological device that uses radio waves to locate objects, such as airplanes.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

optical targeting systems (plural noun): Technology that requires people to actually see objects in order to locate them.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

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(right-hand side = Vocab definitions, synonyms, prompts)

Razzle Dazzle! Fashion “Stars”—in Stripes

Looking for a red carpet transformation? It’s tempting to reach for the go-to tools. After all, a dangerously high heel can make a short frame statuesque, and industrial shapewear can turn a pear into an hourglass. But combine stilettos with a cincher and a swanky affair could end in a visit to the emergency room. Thankfully, this season’s hot trend offers an alternative for literal fashion victims in the form of high-contrast stripes and strategic color-blocking, all perfectly placed to minimize, enhance, elongate, and taper.

The fashion world has long used stripes to simply or dramatically change a silhouette. So, what’s the history behind the geometry? This pain-free solution for the shape-conscious started with the nature-proven concept of camouflage. Take zebras as a fashion-forward example. Their alternating, contoured stripes confuse predators making it difficult to tell their exact shape, size, and speed. In essence, stripes save zebras in the wild. In World War I, the British Navy took this same concept to protect their ships at sea by applying biomimicry—innovation inspired by nature. Knowing it would be impossible to cloak a fleet from the enemy, the British navy developed a technique called razzle dazzle—an aesthetic approach aimed at optically altering the shape and size of ships through the use of high-contrast black and white stripes. The trick of the eye, the same natural defense used by the zebra, successfully masked each “dazzle” ship’s size and speed. While sonar and radar eventually made this technique obsolete, razzle dazzle soon became the craze in British fashion when designers paid homage to the uniquely patterned ships by using bold stripes in garments.

Today’s razzle dazzle uses the same premise to give every body shape the most complimentary accent. Want a taller frame? Ditch the four-inch heel and go for a long pencil skirt with horizontal stripes or an easy maxi gown with alternating light and dark bands.

Playing up curves? Look for alternating light and dark chevrons that taper at the waist.

Tucking the tummy? Toss the shaper and grab a two-tone, color-blocked dress that outlines the silhouette with a dark color while deemphasizing the midriff with a lighter contrasting color.

After a 100 year hiatus, stripes are back in a big way, so use them to your strategic advantage. Whether traversing the urban jungle, or doing battle in the board room, remember to give them the old razzle dazzle.

red carpet (idiom): A figure of speech that describes something that is extremely fashionable—stylish enough to be worn on the red carpet that is used at the entry of high-profile events, such as the Academy Awards.; synonyms: haute couture, high fashion; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

transformation (noun): A dramatic change in appearance or form.; synonym: makeover; prompts: unknown word

go-to tools (plural noun): Items that a person would think to use first to complete tasks. Go-to tools in the kitchen might be pots and pans; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

high heel(noun): A ladies' shoe that has a tall heel, making the wearer appear taller.; synonym: stiletto; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

short frame (noun phrase): A figure with a petite body frame.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

statuesque (adjective): Describes someone with a tall and shapely figure, almost like a fine statue.; synonyms: well-proportioned; prompts: unknown word

industrial shapewear (noun phrase): Stiff, tight undergarment worn to help contour the body in a desirable way.; synonym: foundation garment; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

pear (noun): A person who has a "pear-shaped" body frame, where more weight is in the waist and hips than in the upper body.; synonyms: full hips; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

hourglass (noun): A person who has an "hourglass-shaped" body frame, where weight is evenly balanced between the upper and lower body.; synonyms: shapely, curvy; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

stilettos (plural noun): Ladies' shoes with dramatically high, thin heels.; synonyms: high heels; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

cincher (noun): A tight, waist-cinching undergarment worn to firm, shape, and support the torso.; synonym: corset; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

swanky affair (noun phrase): A very chic and elegant event where the attendees would be wearing very fashionable and expensive clothing and accessories. For example, going to the Met Ball hosted by Vogue magazine would be a swanky affair.; synonyms: chic party, celebrity gala; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

trend (noun): Something that is currently in style or popular.; synonym: fad; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

alternative (noun): A choice in place of another.; synonyms: option, choice; prompts: unknown word

literal fashion victims (phrase): A "fashion victim" is someone who is a "slave" to fashion. He or she will always try to wear what is trendy and popular, to a fault, by changing looks each season, even if the style is not attractive or at great expense. However, there is a play on words in this phrase. A "literal" fashion victim (in this reading) is someone who is actually harmed physically when she wears shoes that are too high or corsets that are too tight.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

high-contrast (adjective): Describes something that is comprised of extremely different colors or patterns that are adjacent to each other.; synonym: bold colors; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

elongate (verb): To make something appear longer, to lengthen.; synonym: extend; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

taper (verb): To make something appear narrow; to thin.; synonym: shrink; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

silhouette (noun): In fashion, an overall outline or shape of a garment or a person's body frame.; synonyms: shape, profile; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

geometry (noun): In this reading, "geometry" refers back to the use of stripes in fashion.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown word

shape-conscious (noun): A person who is concerned with how their body appears in clothing.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

fashion-forward (adjective): Describes a person who wears trendy clothing; his or her fashion sense is ahead of others.; synonym: stylish; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

contoured (adjective): Describes something that is shaped in an arched or smooth way.; synonyms: curved; prompts: unknown word

in essence (phrase): Basically, considering the real meaning of the thing.; synonym: fundamentally; prompts: unknown phrase

innovation (noun): An idea, method, or invention that improves a process, system, or technology.; synonym: advancement; prompts: unknown word

cloak (verb): To hide or cover from sight.; synonyms: conceal, mask; prompts: unknown word

aesthetic (adjective): Relating to art, describes the way something appears.; synonym: visual; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

optically (adverb): Relating to the eye, vision.; synonym: visually; prompts: unknown word

altering (verb): To modify.; synonym: changing; prompts: unknown word

trick of the eye (idiom): An image that is meant to mislead.; synonym: optical illusion; prompts: unknown colloquialism

masked (verb): To conceal, hide from view.; synonyms: cloaked, disguised; prompts: unknown word

obsolete (adjective): Describes something that is no longer used because it has been replaced by newer versions due to advancements in design or technology.; synonyms: outdated, fell out of use; prompts: unknown word

paid homage (verb phrase): Showed respect and honor.; synonyms: paid tribute, revered; prompts: unknown word

premise (noun): An idea that is used as the basis of an argument.; synonym: principle; prompts: unknown word

complimentary accent (noun phrase): An outfit, accessory, or beauty enhancement that accentuates a person's natural features.; synonym: flattering; prompts: unknown term

taller frame (noun phrase): A figure that is statuesque, not short.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

ditch (verb): To get rid of, set aside.; synonym: discard; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

pencil skirt (noun): A narrow, straight-cut skirt that falls just above or below the knee. It has a "pencil straight" appearance.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

horizontal (adjective): Describes something (in this case, stripes) that run from side to side, parallel to the ground.; synonym: width-wise; prompts: unknown word

maxi gown (noun): A long dress that falls just above or at the ankles.; synonym: floor-length dress; prompts: unknown word

curves (plural noun): The round outlines of a woman's body.; synonyms: voluptuous frame; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

chevrons (plural noun): A pattern shaped like a series of inverted V's.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

shaper (noun): Stiff, tight undergarment worn to help contour the torso in a desirable way.; synonym: corset; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

two-tone (adjective): Describes a graphic combination of two complementary colors.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

deemphasizing (verb): To place less emphasis on, to move attention away from.; synonym: minimize; prompts: unknown word

midriff (noun): The front of a person's body between the chest and the waist.; synonym: midsection; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

hiatus (noun): An interval of time where something is missing or stopped.; synonym: break; prompts: unknown word

strategic (adjective): Relating to strategy, having a plan.; synonyms: calculated, deliberate; prompts: unknown word

traversing (verb): To travel or move across.; synonym: navigate; prompts: unknown word

urban jungle (noun): A large city, full of structures such as streets, subway systems, busy commercial areas, and business and industrial districts.; synonym: big city; prompts: unknown discipline-specific word

doing battle in the boardroom (verb phrase): To have a conflict or power struggle among people who manage a company.; synonyms: N/A; prompts: unknown phrase