Nature’s ingenuity

10 animal architects that put human engineers to shame

Credit: Derek Otway

Humans pride themselves on skyscrapers, domes, and bridges—but animals were building architectural marvels long before blueprints existed. Across land, sea, and sky, many creatures design complex structures that are highly efficient, sustainable, and engineered for survival. Here are 10 examples where nature’s architects have outdesigned even our most advanced builders.

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Termites in Africa and Australia build towering mounds with natural ventilation systems that regulate temperature and humidity. Some stand over 30 feet tall.

Their tunnels and chimneys allow gas exchange and moisture control. Scientists have even modeled eco-buildings on their passive airflow design.

Credit: Boba Jaglicic

Honeybees build hives with mathematically precise hexagonal cells that maximize space and minimize material use—no wasted wax.

The hexagonal shape offers structural strength while storing the most honey using the least wax, a principle engineers now use in space and aerospace design.

Credit: Shaun Low

Built by coral polyps, reefs are massive calcium carbonate structures that house thousands of marine species. The Great Barrier Reef is even visible from space!

Corals build by secreting limestone over generations, forming stable, self-sustaining ecosystems with complex flow dynamics and nutrient cycling.

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Weaverbirds intricately knot grass and twigs to build nests suspended from branches. Some designs have separate chambers for eggs and waste.

They tie over 10,000 knots per nest using only their beaks. The nests are rainproof, predator-resistant, and aerodynamically sound.

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Leafcutter ants and other species excavate massive underground colonies that contain chambers for food, nurseries, and fungus farms.

Some supercolonies cover hundreds of yards and are engineered to handle ventilation, moisture control, and traffic flow with no central planning.

Credit: Derek Otway

Beavers alter entire landscapes by building dams from logs, mud, and stone to create deep ponds that protect their lodges from predators.

Their dams slow water flow, reduce erosion, and promote wetland biodiversity. They even inspect and repair damage regularly, like human engineers.

Credit: David Clode

Male white-spotted pufferfish create large, symmetrical circles on the seafloor to attract mates, sculpting them with fins and body movements.

These formations—up to 7 feet wide—include ridges and central pits designed to reduce water flow and protect eggs from sediment.

Credit: Егор Камелев

These spiders dig vertical burrows with a silk-hinged lid, perfectly camouflaged with soil and debris, creating hidden, ambush-ready homes.

The door snaps shut tightly to block predators, while underground tunnels offer shelter and a launch point for hunting.

Credit: Diane Picchiottino

Off the coast of Australia, octopuses have created dense clusters of dens made from shells and debris, nicknamed "Octopolis."

These communal sites challenge the notion of octopuses as strictly solitary. The dens are strategically arranged for defense and food access.

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Naked mole-rats build some of the most complex mammal tunnel systems, complete with toilets, food storage, nurseries, and even ventilation shafts.

The colonies can span several hundred yards, housing dozens of individuals ruled by a single breeding queen, functioning more like insect colonies than typical mammals.

An ingredient for every situation

This is why you should think twice before eating spicy food before bed!

Credit: Caroline Attwood

Your body is always talking to you, just not in words. It speaks through signs and symptoms, whether it's fatigue, bloating, trouble sleeping, or discomfort after physical activity. If you're feeling off and wondering what your body needs, keep reading! We've got 10 smart food tips to help you nourish, recover, and take care of your body. Let's go!

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Do you usually eat tart cherries? If not, it might be time to add them to your diet. Tart cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Other great foods to eat in the evening include chicken, turkey, kiwi, and walnuts, all of which contain nutrients that promote relaxation.

What should you avoid? Along with caffeine and alcohol, spicy foods aren't ideal for dinner. They can trigger heartburn or acid reflux, and may raise your body temperature, both of which can lead to a turbulent night.

Credit: Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian

Do you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning? Do you feel sleepy after meals? If you're running low on energy, these foods can help. Start your day with oatmeal or other complex carbohydrates; they provide a steady release of energy to keep you going. Eggs are also a great choice: packed with protein and B vitamins, they help your body convert food into usable energy. And don’t forget your fruit—bananas, rich in potassium, fiber, and natural sugars, are perfect for a boost before or after exercise.

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We all know dairy is great when your bones need some help, but it's not just about milk, cheese, and yogurt. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach provide calcium, vitamin K, and magnesium—essential nutrients for strong bones. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are also excellent, offering vitamin D and omega-3 that help reduce bone loss. Nuts and seeds make this list too, with a good dose of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. And here's a bonus you might not expect: citrus fruits! Thanks to their high vitamin C content, they help your body produce collagen, a key component of bone structure.

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When cold season hits, keeping your immune system strong is crucial—and certain foods can be your best allies. First up: citrus fruits! They help boost the production of white blood cells, your body’s infection fighters. If you’re not a fruit fan, try red bell peppers. They contain just as much vitamin C as oranges and come with a bonus: beta-carotene. For a tasty and healthy snack, grab a handful of almonds; they’re rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. And let’s not forget our grandmothers’ tried-and-true remedies: garlic, ginger, and of course, chicken soup.

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It's easy to forget, but what you feed your body has a big impact on your mood. Try adding more omega-3-rich fish to your meals; their healthy fats help regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in emotional well-being. Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats are also great choices, since they help stabilize blood sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, berries offer antioxidants and vitamin C, which may help reduce inflammation and stress. And the best for last: dark chocolate. That’s right! In moderation, this treat provides a natural boost of serotonin and endorphins.

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It’s always smart to include more fish in your diet—and salmon once again stands out, this time for its heart benefits. It helps reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides. Leafy greens are another fantastic ally; they’re rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, which can improve blood flow and help lower blood pressure. And don’t forget: it’s a good idea to swap regular cooking oils for extra-virgin olive oil, which provides healthy fats and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Staying focused throughout the day isn't always easy, but what you eat can make a big difference. Start your morning with eggs—a smart breakfast choice that contains choline, a nutrient that supports memory and helps your brain cells communicate. Pair them with a handful of blueberries, rich in antioxidants that sharpen concentration and may even slow mental aging. And when you need a snack to keep your mind alert, pumpkin seeds are perfect. They provide magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper—all essential for brain health and focus.

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Bananas and apples, thanks to their fiber content, are great allies when your digestive system needs a little support. But the star of the show is yogurt with live cultures. It's full of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that help maintain a balanced gut flora. Other guests at this digestive party include ginger and peppermint, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and chia seeds, which are rich in soluble fiber to help keep things moving. The best part? You can enjoy many of these in one tasty breakfast!

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If you work out regularly or love playing sports, you know food plays an important role in helping your body recover. Experts recommend lean meats, as they contain protein and leucine, an amino acid that supports muscle repair. Other great options include quinoa, beans, and lentils—rich in plant-based protein, iron, and complex carbohydrates that aid recovery.

Sweet potatoes also make the list; their potassium content helps prevent muscle cramps. And don’t forget cottage cheese, packed with casein protein that promotes overnight muscle repair.

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Your skin says a lot about you—and how you eat! For hydrated, glowing skin, try adding avocados to your meals. Why? They’re rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which help keep your skin soft and protected. Tomatoes are another skin-friendly food; they contain vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that helps defend against sun damage and supports collagen production. Don’t forget fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers—they can help keep your skin moisturized and improve its appearance.