We humans are proud of our engineering and architectural skills. We construct sky-kissing structures and eye-catching architectural marvels with the same ease. Do you think we are the only ones blessed with such amazing skills? No. Look around, and we can find several instances of animals who build their own homes in the most amazing manner.
Animals Who Build Their Own Homes
Though there are several animal architects, a handful of them build their habitats with precision and perfection. Let us have a look at them.
Beavers – The Tireless Architects
Beavers are the most skillful and dedicated among all animals who build their own homes. They build dams, canals, and even lodges for just one purpose, protecting their family from predators. They gnaw tree trunks causing the trees to fall. With these tree branches, they build dams across a stream, forming a pond inside. And then they make their home, or the ‘beaver lodge,’ inside this pond. Guess what? The dams will have a secret underwater opening, so that no one except their family can enter their homes. Smart, aren’t they?
Weaver Birds – Dream House Builders
We have heard tales of men buying diamond rings for their partners-to-be. But weaving a beautiful home to attract a would-be partner? This is what male weaver birds do. They use twigs, plant fiber, and strings to weave a pretty nest, with hopes that it will be approved by a prospective partner. If the female bird approves it, she lays eggs. There the family story begins!
Weaver bird nests are intricately designed by knotting the twigs to tree branches. The opening to the nest will be tiny, as a protection against predators. Weaver birds have found a charming way to attract love, haven’t they?
Weaver Ants – Community Living
If weaver bird’s nests are the results of efforts by a single bird to attract a partner, the nests of weaver ants are results of coordinated efforts. Weaver ants live as a colony, and build their homes on trees. They bend the leaves of trees and join them using the silk produced by their larvae.
Method of construction of their homes is quite interesting. One ant will stand on the edge of a leaf and try to grasp the edge of a nearby leaf. If he can’t do it, a friend comes to his help, and forms a chain by holding on to the waist of the first ant. Still not happening? A third one joins, and the chain goes on till they finally grasp both leaves and tie them together. Isn’t this community effort something that we should learn?
Termites – Builders of Smart Cities
Most of us have seen termite mounds. But how many of us know that these mounds have cities in themselves? Seen from outside, they are just huge mud-based structures. But in fact, termite mounds are very complex and planned structures catering to the needs of a colony of termites.
There are tunnels, chimneys and conduits inside, which help in regulating temperature and humidity. They have storage chambers too, for keeping food. The actual nest remains below the ground. Worker termites build the mounds over the nest using mud, saliva, and dung. An impressive smart city!
The stories of these amazing creatures are quite an inspiration for the budding engineers and architects among us. Don’t you agree?
Find more interesting facts about animals, plants, and a lot more in our Fascinating Facts section.
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