Final answer:
The product engineer's development of an ant repellant through the study of ant-repelling chemicals produced by insects is an example of biomimicry, a process where human applications are inspired by nature. This approach utilizes pheromones, a form of chemical communication within ant colonies, to create effective, non-toxic repellants.
Step-by-step explanation:
By studying the chemicals that repel ants produced by insects living in their community, a product engineer was able to develop an ant repellant. This is an example of biomimicry, a practice where design and production are inspired by biological entities and processes. Biomimicry involves observing and understanding the ways organisms operate and interact within ecosystems to solve human problems. For instance, ants communicate with chemicals like pheromones to mark trails or repel invaders, which can lead to the development of non-toxic repellants for agricultural or household use.
In this case, the product engineer taps into nature's chemical communication system, tapping into the wide range of chemical defenses insects have developed. These natural chemicals can be repellent, toxic, or informative. By harnessing the repellent chemicals that ants use, engineers can create safer, potentially more effective repellents than traditional pesticides, which insects like ants could develop resistance to through microevolution.
Moreover, the study of such chemical compounds is not only important for creating repellants but also for advancing knowledge in fields like chemical engineering and biology. As we learn more from nature, we can apply that knowledge to solve human-related challenges in various industries, benefitting both our society and the environment.