Anyone can inspire anyone else. No matter what it is. Take a look at Teodoru Badiu.
The Painted Horse
I know I have seen this double jointed tall animal somewhere else before.
Salvador Dali - L'Elephant Giraffe
So far no one put a copyright on inspiration. What do you think of the similarities? Does Badiu's photorealism make it any less real than Dali?
I still believe both art pieces could have existed as a gene in the animal body that had at one point evolved. Both artworks just seem to take my breath away.