Engineers and Their Designer

by Terri Kammerzell

Truth of Genesis Ministry Partner

Sometimes, when the world around you is so chaotic and seems nothing but dismal, it’s a good idea to find—or make—some reasons to celebrate. Apparently, that was somebody’s mindset who works for an outlet called “National Day Calendar,” because back in 2017 they decided to celebrate each state, one per week, by setting aside a “National [state] Day” for fifty consecutive weeks. It works out well that New York’s “special day” to celebrate is this week (September 21), because it gives me a chance to introduce you to my Fun Fact about New York’s official state mammal: the beaver.

What is unique about a beaver’s eyes?
A beaver has clear eyelids that close over its eyes when submerged.

Beavers aren’t the only animals with multiple sets of eyelids. Polar bears, camels, and kangaroos are among some of the other species God equipped with multiple layers to cover their peepers. And did you know that since most geckos don’t have any eyelids, they lick their own eyes to clean them?!

When I’ve introduced my animal Fun Facts in the past (such as the giraffe, the bombardier beetle, the chuckwalla lizard, and the woodpecker), I’ve focused on their irreducible complexity which points to an all-or-nothing design plan. When it comes to the beaver, what fascinates me even more is what an inspiration it is! Biomimicry is when engineers, inventors, and other scientists design and produce systems, structures, and processes based on models they observe in nature. Curiously, while it takes a designer to design these “mimicked” productions, many people don’t acknowledge the original Designer behind the inspiring design.

One example of the beaver’s design worth copying is its insulation system which has inspired people to create wetsuits to keep divers and other sea explorers and adventurers warm. Another example is the industry of beavers. Sometimes referred to as “nature’s engineers,” beavers set great examples for bridge building and ecosystem designs.

God’s Word is filled with special revelation for us to learn more about Him and draw closer to Him, but His world is filled with general revelation for us to learn about His creativity in design and to understand Him from what has been made. It all points back to Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (NKJV). Beavers may be “nature’s engineers,” but we know the Designer made them as an original model for us to follow.
 

Don’t just take my word for it! Visit YouFormedMe.com/animals/beaver.html to read, watch, and listen to supporting research and commentary from scientists, doctors, theologians, and more!
This blog is from a special series of “Creation Fun Facts” by Terri Kammerzell, starting from June 10, 2020. Read the introduction at TruthOfGenesis.com/blogs/building-a-biblical-defense-of-creation.