Biological Practices and Fields, Missing Pieces of the Biomimetics' Methodological Puzzle

Area of Science:

• Biomimetics
• Ecology
• Phylogenetics

Background:

• Biomimetics faces challenges, necessitating specialized biological expertise.
• Current approaches often overlook the diversity within biological sciences.
• The need for a defined

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the essential biological knowledge and skills for a biomimetician.
• To investigate the operational integration of ecology and phylogenetics in biomimetics.
• To establish a foundation for the biomimetician's biological toolkit.

Main Methods:

• Design research methodology.
• Descriptive phase: identifying needs and conceptual bridges.
• Prescriptive phase: proposing applications of biological expertise.

Main Results:

• Identified specific needs and potential links between biomimetics, ecology, and phylogenetics.
• Proposed methods for applying ecological and phylogenetic knowledge in biomimetic design.
• Highlighted limitations and future research directions.

Conclusions:

• Ecology and phylogenetics offer valuable frameworks for biomimetician training.
• Operationalizing diverse biological fields is crucial for advancing biomimetics.
• Further research is needed to refine the biomimetician's role and practices.