nature

DNA showing unravelling strands.  Pen and ink diagram.

Animal cell which is dissected to show key organelles and the nucleus.  Pen and ink diagram. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Dissecting microscope diagram.  Pen and ink line drawing. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Compound microscope illustration.  Line diagram Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)    

Tabby Cat Felis catus looking at the viewer and sitting on grass. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Bactrian camel Camelus bactrianus with a kneeling Dromedary Camelus dromedarius. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Electric eel Electrophorus electricus; complete animal and longditudinal cross section showing the three electric organs; namely Sach’s, Hunter’s and Main organ. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Electric eel Electrophorus electricus; complete animal and longditudinal cross section showing the three electric organs; namely Sach’s, Hunter’s and Main organ. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Pangolin Manis javanica on a log with background foliage, searching for ant nests to destroy and eat. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Waterloo International Station diagram showing how the roof echoes the curve of a pangolin Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

European lobster Homarus gammarus with eye detail showing curved lens Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

European lobster Homarus gammarus Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)  

Common or Peleides blue morpho butterfly Morpho peleides with colour top wash.  Butterfly is on a leaf with magnified detail of the structure of the wing scales.  These ridges cause iridescence.  Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Reef Manta ray Manta alfredi showing two animals swimming with mouths open, filter-feeding. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Arapaima with scales Arapaima gigas Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Arapaima gigas fish showiung its distinctive scales and “etched” head Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Venus’s Flower basket Euplectella aspergillum with inset showing the lattice work of structural details. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Cow (Red Devon breed) Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Diagram line drawing of cow showing its four stomachs Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Variable kingsnake Lampropeltis Mexicana thayeri extending its head and neck Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Trunk cross section showing muscle bundles, set within the head of the African Elephant head Loxodonta africana.  (See also “Adrican elephant head” for the accompanying illustration) Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

African elephant head with trunk raised.  (See also “Trunk cross section with African Elephant” for the accompanying illustration.) Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Thorny devil Moloch horridus showing spines and a surly expression. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Great White shark Carcharodon carcharias showing denticles and skin, and the Sharklet anti-bacterial material that is has inspired. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)