15 Human Technologies Inspired by Plants and Animals: How Biomimicry Is Shaping the Future

Direct comparison of the Kingfisher's beak and the Bullet Train nose cone.

7. Whale Fin Turbines — Better Wind and Water Technology

The bumpy edges (tubercles) on a humpback whale’s flippers inspired more efficient, higher-lift wind turbine blades.

Humpback whales are surprisingly agile, thanks to their large flippers covered in bumps known as tubercles. These bumps improve maneuverability and reduce drag.

Turbine and fan designers used this concept to create:

  • Quieter wind turbines
  • More efficient underwater turbines
  • Improved cooling fans
  • Enhanced airplane wings

These whale-inspired designs increase lift and efficiency while reducing noise pollution.