Guided tour: Incredible Inventions – Nature’s Problem-Solving Ability

Every day during the winter holidays (February 8-16) at 3:00 PM

From the deepest oceans to outer space. Nature’s problem-solving ability is outstanding. Join us as we explore nature’s adaptations to the most unexpected places.

Sometimes, life can be found even in the most unexpected places. Animals are excellent at adapting, and one adaptation is more fascinating than the other. From the Malayan jungle nymph stick insect, whose adaptations ensure them excellent camouflage in their preferred environment, to the sperm whale, which can hold its breath for up to two hours!

Some of the most amazing adaptations are also found in the polar bear, whose hollow fur allows light to penetrate to the dark skin underneath, all to help the bear better retain heat. The most exciting example, however, must be the water bear Tardigrades, which, despite its name, does not resemble a real bear at all. Water bears are a group of microscopic animals that have adapted to a variety of environments, and are probably the hardiest animals on our planet.

A small sample of the conditions that bears can live in include: Temperatures down to around –270 ˚C Over 1000 times the amount of radiation that humans can tolerate. And last but not least, they can live in space. But why can such a small animal be so remarkable? This is because water bears hibernate under adverse conditions, and it has been documented that this hibernation can last up to 30 years. Want to hear more about remarkable animals? Then meet our natureguide for today’s tour.