Tutorial 1

Reverse Bio-Engineering Worksheet (In class Tutorial) 11th April 2014 

1. Examine the biological artifact with the intent of discerning:

a. What does the biological artifact do?

- sleeps

- run

- glide

- eat

- climb

- seeks for human interaction

b. How does the biological artifact work?

- Nocturnal animal

- Mammal

- The male glider has 2 separate genitals

c. What might the biological artifact’s “requirements” have been?

                - Attention and care

      - Optimum temperature

      - Quiet and dark place

2. Relate the biological artifact’s features to the artifact requirements listed in 1.c:

    a. List the biological artifact’s features (geometry, materials, mechanisms, etc.)

    (i) Mammal - attention and care

    (ii) Fur - keeps them warm

    (iii) Eyes - Big so that they can see in the dark

                                - Contain more light sensitive pigments 

             b. How do the biological artifact’s features support the requirements?

Features	Requirements
	(i)                Defensive	(ii)              Offensive	(iii)             Travel
Big Round Eyes	Better vision at night	To hunt and see prey	Find a path
Flaps	Glide from predators	Hunting	To glide
Tail	As a stabilizer	Climbing	Hang around from swing area
Sharp Claws	Protection	Climbing	Swing around

             c. Are there features that don’t map to any requirements?

             No

3. Form and function

a. How do the form (shape) and material of a feature relate to the function that the feature performs?

Features	1.      Function	2.      Form	3.      Material	Relationship Of 1-2-3
Big round eyes	Vision	Big, black, round	Photovoltaic cells	It helps the sugar glider to look around and hunt for prey at night
Flaps	Glide	Loose, flappy, stretchable	Shin membrane	Able to glide from one spot to another
Tail	Climb	Bendable/ long	Ligaments & muscles	Able to access to small places with the tail
Sharp Claws	Hunt/Grip	Sharp & curved pointy	Keratin	Able to stay in places

4. Engineering inspiration

a.      Suggest a new product or process based upon what you’ve learned in 1-3 above.

The product that was the choice is a human gliding suit which utilizes the flaps on the side of the suit.