HOW GECKOS STEP AND WALK ON WATER
HOW GECKOS STEP AND WALK ON WATER
Geckos are known to swing from leaves and stick on walls. In addition, they can also seemingly walk on water. They perform the almost impossible task of walking on water as well. They do so by slapping the surface of the water with all their limbs and by taking advantage of the water’s surface tension. As they slap the water, they create bubbles, lifting them as they run. Because of what they can do, they can travel on water as fast as they could on land.
These small lizards combine the strategies of larger reptilian species with those of minute insects. Their effortless movement across the water is magnificent to watch. As geckos travel across water, the surface tension provides more speed. Their water repelling skin also helps by reducing drag as they move.
It is true that geckos cannot walk on water like water striders do, but they have a combination of swimming and walking movements. Their mixed approach helps experts design robots that travel better and quicker through bodies of water.
