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Geckos foot
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Geckos foot
Geckos foot. Underside of the 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 6464267
© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Climb Climbing Crawling Feet Foot Gecko Gripping Lamellae Lizard Reptile Reptilia Setae Spatulae Sticking Van Der Waals Walking
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This print showcases the intricate underside of a gecko's foot as it gracefully walks on glass. Geckos, nocturnal lizards found in warm climates, possess an extraordinary ability to climb vertical walls and even hang upside-down from ceilings. This remarkable feat is made possible by their unique gripping ability through their toes. Each toe of a gecko is adorned with microscopic hairs called setae, which are further branched into finer structures known as spatulae. These specialized hairs create weak intermolecular forces called van der Waals forces that allow the gecko to firmly grip onto any surface it encounters. To walk or climb, the gecko first uncurls its toes before making contact with the surface. With each step, it must peel off its toe, repeating this action up to an astonishing 15 times per second. This rapid uncurling and peeling motion enables the gecko to move swiftly and effortlessly. The photograph beautifully captures not only the biological marvel of a single gecko foot but also highlights the fascinating anatomy and crawling abilities of these reptiles. It serves as a testament to nature's ingenuity and reminds us of the incredible diversity found within our planet's wildlife.
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