Nature Got There First: Inventions Inspired by Nature

by Phil Gates

Drawing parallels between natural phenomena and human inventions, an intriguing study of how nature works looks at how burrs inspired the development of Velcro, how squid proved to be a working example for jet engines, and how teeth became prototypes for chisels.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Dr Phil Gates lectures on biology at the University of Durham, UK, and regularly writes for BBC Wildlife. His other books for children on natural history include The Aliens Are Coming, The Amazing World of Plants and 365 Days of Nature and Discovery.

Reviews

[Laura DeGrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A variety of pictures and diagrams presented in visual representation of scientific breakthroughs in multiple areas for everyday use.
This book was made with intention toward young curious minds.
Interesting facts donned each page.
Colorful pictures explained the subject matter clearly.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure where I got this book, but when I discovered it in the bottom of my book stack I knew it wanted me to read it. Written for early to middle grade readers, there are many interesting connections between things in the natural world and inventions that have become part of our daily lives.