Page 98 - Engineering in Nature

Engineering in Nature

1. The rattlesnake can strike at its prey at
a speed comparable to that of a late-
model sportscar.
2. The heat detectors on the front of the
snake's head work like thermal cameras.
Thanks to these detectors, the animal can
"see" around it in nocturnal darkness.
3. The snake's venom is so powerful that
one drop of it could kill dozens of animals.
The glands that synthesize this venom
use a technique superior to those in mod-
ern laboratories.
4. The rattle at the end of the snake's tail
serves as an alarm to warn off enemies.
5. The hollow fangs that
pump the venom into the
prey have a special in-
jection system.

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