Regeneration in Biology

healing · nature's repair · animal abilities · science

Lizards Drop Tails. When a lizard is caught by a predator, it can snap off its own tail to escape and then grow it back completely. The new tail isn't quite identical to the original, but it works just fine.

Plants Rebuild Roots. If a plant gets its roots damaged, it can grow new ones to absorb water and nutrients again. Some plants can even regrow from just a tiny piece of root left in the soil.

Your Body Heals Skin. When you get a cut or scrape, your body springs into action creating new skin cells to seal up the wound. This happens automatically without you having to think about it.

Starfish Regrow Arms. A sea star can lose an arm and grow a brand new one in its place. Some starfish can even regenerate a whole new body from just one arm that broke off.

Every Living Thing Does It. From tiny bacteria to enormous whales, every animal and plant on Earth can regenerate some part of themselves. It's one of nature's most important survival tricks.