Biomimicry is the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes. The term "biomimicry" was popularized by scientist and author Janine Benyus in her 1997 book "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature".
Humans have been looking to nature for inspiration for centuries. Leonardo da Vinci, for example, studied the flight of birds to design his flying machines. The modern field of biomimicry emerged in the late 20th century as a more systematic approach to learning from and emulating nature.
Biomimicry is a rapidly growing field with applications in a wide range of industries, including architecture, engineering, and medicine. For example, the design of the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan was inspired by the beak of the kingfisher, which allows it to enter water with very little splash.