How can human problems be addressed by mimicking plant or animal solutions?

Mimicking natural solutions from plants and animals—known as biomimicry—can lead to innovative approaches for addressing human problems. Designing equipment to protect bicyclists that mimics turtle shells is a prime example of biomimicry in action. Turtle shells are an excellent example of adaptation for protection; they provide a hard, protective exterior that can absorb and deflect force. By creating protective gear modeled after this animal trait, designers can improve safety for cyclists in a way that is efficient and effective.

The other options do present interesting ideas for biomimicry but may not be as directly related to the specific design of protective equipment. For instance, designing vehicles after fish (such as streamlined shapes for aerodynamics) is indeed a legitimate approach but focuses more on efficiency than safety. Similarly, creating urban areas based on wolf pack behavior might provide social insights but doesn't necessarily translate into a practical, applicable solution for human problems in the same way protective gear does. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a direct and tangible application of mimicking an animal's adaptation for human benefit.