Problem:
When ground Search and Rescue try to locate a person lost in the woods, they call out and stop to listen for the lost person to call back. But the person who is lost is too weak and hard to hear. We need a better way to hear people who are lost
Biomimicry Idea:
Create a search and rescue OWL HOOD that has asymmetric listening tubes to help locate the exact location of the lost person. Also make the hood have a heart shape on the face to gather sound waves and a beak shape and rim that directs sound.
Search and rescue Barn Owl hood: Notice the asymmetrical placement of ear tubes which help search and rescue locate someone who is calling to be found if lost.
Hood has a heart shape to gather sound waves and a beak to direct the sound into the hood.
How nature helps a barn owl hear?
A barn owl can hear a mouse squeak from 100 ft away. They can do this because their ears are placed asymmetrically which means they receive sound at different times to help triangulate their prey. They have also adapted to have a dish shaped face to have a larger surface area so they catch more sound waves.