Gecko. Underside of the head and foot of a gecko (family Gekkonidae) walking on glass
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Gecko. Underside of the head and foot of a gecko (family Gekkonidae) walking on glass
Gecko. Underside of the head and foot of a gecko (family Gekkonidae) walking on glass. Geckos are nocturnal lizards found in warm climates. They are able to climb on vertical walls and upside-down on ceilings due to the gripping ability of their toes. Each toe is lined with microscopic hairs (setae) and each hair is further branched into finer structures (spatulae). The hairs create weak intermolecular forces, known as van der Waals forces, which are strong enough to grip on any surface. Geckos walk by first uncurling their toes before making contact. To take another step, the gecko must peel off its toe. This uncurling and peeling action can be produced up to 15 times per second, enabling the gecko to move rapidly
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Media ID 6464771
© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Climb Climbing Crawling Feet Foot Gecko Gripping Lamellae Lizard Reptile Reptilia Setae Spatulae Sticking Van Der Waals Walking
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate details of a gecko's underside, specifically its head and foot. The gecko, belonging to the Gekkonidae family, is captured in action as it gracefully walks on glass. Known for their nocturnal nature and preference for warm climates, geckos possess an extraordinary ability to climb vertical walls and even maneuver upside-down on ceilings. This remarkable feat is made possible by the gripping power of their toes. Upon closer inspection, one can observe that each toe is adorned with microscopic hairs called setae. These hairs are further divided into finer structures known as spatulae. It is through this elaborate arrangement that geckos create weak intermolecular forces called van der Waals forces, which provide them with a strong grip on any surface they encounter. The process of walking for a gecko involves uncurling its toes before making contact with the surface beneath it. To take another step forward, the gecko must then peel off its toe in a swift motion. Remarkably agile creatures, they can perform this uncurling and peeling action up to an astonishing 15 times per second – enabling them to move rapidly across various terrains. This mesmerizing photograph not only highlights the biological marvels found within reptiles but also serves as a testament to nature's ingenuity in equipping animals with unique adaptations for survival and locomotion.
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