nature

Flipper of Humpback whale Megaptera novaeanglicae showing tubercles

Humpback whale Megaptera novaeanglicae shown side on. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Peacock mantis shrimp Odontodactylus scyllarus woth details of Dactyl club anatomy and composition Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Peacock mantis shrimp Odontodactylus scyllarus with dactyl club tucked in under thorax. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Anatomy of Bombardier beetle focussed on the glands that produce the explosive chemicals. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Bombardier beetle Pheropsophus species shown emitting high temperature explosive substance to deter predators. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Stenocara Fog or Handstand beetle.  Beetle is shown in its typical 45 degree position, facing incoming wind and fog to collect water vapour on the bumps of its elytra. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Spine cross section from a hedgehog Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

European Hedgehog Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Soldier Termite, generic image of this isopteran Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Cross section diagram showing cooling air pathways through the termite mound Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Termite mound from near the equator Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Woodpecker skull with hyoid structure and tongue Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Polar bear with detail of the skin and fur, and SEM scale detail of guard hairs. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Hexapod Snow flea Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Atlantic cod Gadus morhua with curved tail Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Gecko foot anatomy showing branched setae under magnification.  This microscopic branching is what makes gecko feet so sticky.  Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Aryee (BBC Books).

Mosquito mouthparts diagram featuring an Anopholes female mosquito.  These mouthparts allow the mosquito to break skin, and access blood without disturbing the host. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini.  These aquatic microscopic animals are almost bomb proof, and certainly are some of the toughest animals on planet Earth.  Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)

Blue mussels Mytilus edulis with byssal threads on wooden piling.  Illustration includes barnacles and limpets, and some bladder wrack seaweed.  Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Web stabilimentum showing cruciate type, in the web of the orb spider Silver agriope Agriope argentata. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).

Yellow horned-poppy Galucium flavum with seed pod

Thrift Armeria maritima with individual flower detail

Spring squill Scilla verna botanical illustration by Lizzie Harper showing large bulb