Gecko foot C014 / 0963
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Gecko foot C014 / 0963
Gecko foot. Close-up of the foot of a southern turniptail gecko (Thecadactylus solimoensis), showing the adhesive lamellae (ridges). Every square millimetre of a geckos footpad contains about 14, 000 hair-like setae, each of which is tipped with between 100 and 1000 spatulae. Gecko feet use these very small subdivided filaments to bond with surfaces at the molecular level using Van Der Waals forces, giving them the property of being very adhesive, without leaving any residue. Specimen from the Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9227321
© DR MORLEY READ/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Adhesive Amazon Amazonian Application Applications Bioengineering Biotech Biotechnological Biotechnology Ecuadorean Ecuadorian Foot Forest Grip Lamella Lamellae Lizard Material Materials Science Melanesia Melanesian Oceania Pads Rainforest Reptile Reptilian South America South American Sticky Strong Toes Tropic Tropics Underside Van Der Waals Yasuni National Park Oceanian
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate details of a gecko foot, specifically belonging to a southern turniptail gecko found in the Yasuni National Park of the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. The close-up shot reveals the remarkable adhesive lamellae or ridges that cover every square millimeter of its footpad. Astonishingly, each hair-like seta on this tiny creature's foot is tipped with between 100 and 1000 spatulae. Geckos utilize these subdivided filaments to create an extraordinary bond with surfaces at a molecular level through Van Der Waals forces. This unique adaptation grants them exceptional adhesion without leaving any residue behind. It is fascinating to note that even though this gecko's grip is incredibly strong, it does not hinder its ability to move swiftly across various terrains. The black background enhances the focus on the gecko's foot structure while highlighting its natural beauty against contrasting colors. This image provides valuable insight into both nature and technology as it demonstrates how animals can inspire advancements in bioengineering and materials science. By capturing this single moment frozen in time, Dr Morley Read from Science Photo Library has given us an opportunity to appreciate the complexity and ingenuity present within our natural world. Let this photograph serve as a reminder of how even the smallest creatures hold secrets waiting to be discovered and harnessed for technological applications beyond our imagination.
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