A Conceptual Framework for Integrative Work in Organismal Biology, Bioinspired Design, and Beyond

Area of Science:

• Integrative biology and bioinspired engineering.
• Interdisciplinary communication and knowledge synthesis.

Background:

• Scientific progress is accelerated by crossing disciplinary boundaries, but specialization and communication barriers hinder integration.
• Existing tools like databases and thesauri partially address information flow challenges between biology and engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a big-picture conceptual framework to facilitate conceptualization and communication across disciplines.
• To aid researchers and designers in approaching interdisciplinary conversations.

Main Methods:

• Synthesizing existing ideas into a function-centered conceptual framework.
• Highlighting contributions of sub-organismal traits, behavior, and environment to function.
• Presenting modifications for higher biological organization levels and influences like neural control, development, evolution, and trade-offs.

Main Results:

• A framework organizing organismal function around sub-organismal traits, behavior, and environment.
• Modifications enabling connections to higher biological organization and influencing factors.
• A tool for mapping complex pathways between organismal and environmental characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework unites subfields within organismal biology and facilitates bioinspired design.
• It enhances understanding of organismal function by mapping intricate relationships.
• This approach supports interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific innovation.