> Really, it's the height of hubris to think that we can engineer something that works as well as what untold generations has evolved.

Even if true, it's irrelevant because nature's definition of "works" isn't always mine.

It isn't yours either.

For example, you're not using caterpillars or other "nature" for transportation so either you're stupid or you don't believe that caterpillars are superior to your car for certain purposes. (Caterpillars are cheaper, so you didn't choose the car for its price/performance either.)