Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #94

A. The principle of biomimicry, a term derived from the Greek words ‘bios'''' (life) and ‘mimesis'''' (to imitate), is the practice of developing sustainable human technologies inspired by nature. Proponents of this approach argue that the natural world, after billions of years of evolution, has already solved many of the complex problems that humanity currently faces. By studying and emulating nature''''s time-tested patterns and strategies, from the microscopic level of a cell to the vast scale of an ecosystem, innovators can design products, processes, and systems that are more efficient, resilient, and harmonious with the environment. This discipline is increasingly being applied across diverse fields, including engineering, materials science, and urban planning.

B. While the term itself is relatively modern, the concept of learning from nature is ancient. Early inventors, such as Leonardo da Vinci with his flying machines based on avian anatomy, demonstrated a rudimentary form of biomimicry. However, one of the most seminal modern examples is the invention of Velcro. In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral observed how burrs from the burdock plant clung tenaciously to his dog''s fur. Upon examining the burrs under a microscope, he discovered a simple yet effective system of tiny hooks that could easily attach to loops in fabric. This observation led directly to the development of the hook-and-loop fastener, a now-ubiquitous product that perfectly illustrates the biomimetic process of observing a natural phenomenon and adapting it for human use.

C. In contemporary architecture and engineering, biomimicry has spurred significant advancements. A notable example is the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, an office complex designed to mimic the self-cooling mounds of African termites. The building utilises a passive ventilation system that draws in cool air at night and circulates it, maintaining a stable and comfortable internal temperature throughout the day without the need for conventional air conditioning. This design dramatically reduces energy consumption. Similarly, the redesign of Japan''s Shinkansen bullet train was inspired by the kingfisher''s beak. Engineers found that by reshaping the train''s nose to be more aerodynamic, mirroring the bird''s ability to dive into water with minimal splash, they could reduce sonic booms and decrease energy usage by 15%.

D. Beyond individual inventions, biomimicry offers a paradigm shift towards greater sustainability. Natural systems operate on principles of resource efficiency and cyclical processes, where waste is virtually non-existent because the output of one organism becomes the input for another. By adopting this ''closed-loop'' model, industries can move away from the linear ''take-make-dispose'' economy. For instance, researchers are developing biodegradable plastics from plant materials and creating manufacturing processes that, like photosynthesis, use sunlight as their primary energy source. These innovations hold the potential to substantially diminish pollution and resource depletion.

E. Ultimately, biomimicry is more than mere imitation; it is about understanding the underlying principles that make natural systems successful and applying that deep knowledge to human challenges. As society confronts escalating environmental pressures, from climate change to biodiversity loss, the wisdom embedded in the natural world represents an invaluable and largely untapped resource. Looking to nature not as a commodity to be exploited, but as a mentor to be respected, could be crucial for forging a truly sustainable future.