These incredible habitats are often built with a rich variety of natural and man-made materials, from twigs and pebbles to bottle-caps and straws. Compass termites build tombstone-shaped mounds parallel to the north/south axis in order to minimize sun exposure and optimize temperature. Edible-nest swiftlets don't even need to gather resources; they build nests out of their very own saliva!
This infographic provides some fascinating insight into the crafty and resilient ways that species across the planet act as architects.
