Gecko foot, SEM C015 / 9153

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Gecko foot, SEM C015 / 9153

Gecko foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a geckos (family Gekkonidae) foot. Pads on the toes are covered in hairs, or setae, that enable the gecko to cling to smooth surfaces by taking advantage of weak intermolecular forces, known as Van der Waals forces

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 9238459

© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Adaptation Adapted Attachment Foot Footpads Gecko Gekkonidae Hair Hairs Hairy Lizard Padded Pads Reptile Reptilia Seta Setae Sticky Van Der Waals Forces Footpad

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of a gecko's foot. In this coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM), we are granted a close-up view of the reptile's remarkable adaptation for clinging to smooth surfaces. Against a black background, the gecko's footpad takes center stage, revealing its secret weapon: thousands of tiny hairs or setae. These delicate setae play a crucial role in enabling the gecko to effortlessly stick to various surfaces by harnessing weak intermolecular forces known as Van der Waals forces. This biological marvel allows the gecko to defy gravity and traverse vertical walls and ceilings with ease. The level of detail captured in this SEM image is awe-inspiring. Every hair on the footpad can be observed, emphasizing nature's precision and complexity. The vibrant colours bring life to an otherwise microscopic world, highlighting how even the smallest organisms possess extraordinary adaptations. As we delve into zoology and biology through this photograph, it becomes evident that evolution has equipped these lizards with incredible tools for survival. The gecko's hairy pads serve as a testament to nature's ingenuity and remind us of the countless wonders waiting to be discovered within our natural world. Photographer Susumu Nishinaga masterfully captures both artistry and science in this image from Science Photo Library—a visual tribute that invites us into an enchanting realm where wildlife meets technology under the lens of a scanning electron microscope.

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