Abstract-This paper describes jumping behaviour of the globular springtails. Direct observations on the jumping and climbing behaviour of springtails were conducted in the laboratory. The kinematics of jumping in tiny springtails was analyzed with high-speed video camera system. The vertical climbing behaviour was analyzed in contrast to the jumping behaviour. The jumping performance of springtails was revealed.

Abstract-This paper is concerned with a small jumping mechanism. Microscopic observations of springtail leaping organs were conducted using a confocal leaser scanning microscope. A simple springtail mechanism using a spring and small electromagnet was produced based on the observations of leaping organ and the jumping analysis of the globular springtail. Jumping characteristics of the mechanism were examined with high-speed video camera system.

This paper is concerned with plant biomechanics to obtain inspiration for innovative engineering technology from nature. The dynamics of the flower head movement and the plant growth was studied experimentally. The folding and unfolding movements of the petals of cut dandelion flower heads were observed by the low-speed photographing method. Movements of cut dandelion flower heads were observed as movies, and analyzed by the personal computer. The surface cell form of the petal of the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, was also observed by the laser beam microscope. The time change of the surface form of petal cells was clarified.

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