Humans might have studied physics in detail, but some animals without studying it, use the principles of physics like a pro.
As mentioned by scientists, “Physics is the mother of all sciences”, knowing and applying physics in real life solves various problems. Ever wonder how a gecko can walk on a ceiling and humans cannot? Let’s find out some more interesting scientific applications by animals other than human beings.
The defense mechanism of squirrels against rattlesnakes: Evolution has taught the squirrel that snakes (rattlesnakes) are able to detect infrared radiation. When sensed about the presence of the predator, squirrels start waving their tail in the air and it eventually pumps a hugeamount of blood, giving off significant infrared radiation. The snakes get confused and fooled by the trick as they consider it as an unusual signal. Being confused the snakes refrain themselves from attacking the prey. Truly, squirrels evolved smartly to survive.
Walking of Gecko on the ceiling: Spiderman climbing up on the wall, is a very common thing we have seen in many Sci-fi movies. But in reality, geckos have mastered the skill of climbing or walking on the wall and even ceiling. Two things are responsible for these skills. The first one is specially adapted fleshy folds on the feet with numerous hairs. This structure helps them to acquire more surface area to hold onto the wall. The next and most important thing that comes into play is the application of Van der Waals's force. When two molecules are placed very close to each other, they are attracted by this force, and the force is strong enough to hold it for minutes. The geckos keep their feet in such a position that it gets maximum area (due to structure of skin) and closest contact between feet and the wall or ceiling. With more surface area and numerous small forces allow them to hold against the wall. That is the science behind the walking of geckos on the ceiling or wall. When there is an abnormality in the distribution of these factors they fall from the ceiling.
Shaking off the water by the dogs: Most hairy animals follow the principle of shaking off the water from their body after bath. Let’s take the example of your pet dog. After bathing, the back and forth rotation oftheir backbone are very common. This oscillating movement is done to wash away the water from fur. The larger the dog, the less oscillation is required for this purpose. The dogs and other animals are smart enough to understand that direct evaporation from the skin is harmful to their body. So, immediately after getting wet, they try to shake off the maximum amount of water and in doing so, nearly a thousand times more enrgy is saved by the animal.
Drinking of water by cat: If you are an ailurophile, you must be wondering how a cat drinks water. The process is very simple and equally complicated. The cats try to form a layer of their tongue till the water level in a bowl without touching the surface. Then, they try to lift their tongue very fast so that a column of liquid is formed immediately. The cats repeat this process very fast and are able to drink the water. Try to capture the moments of your cat drinking water with a very high-quality video camera and you will be amazed.
Aren't those animals way smarter as without attending any physics lecture, they are so successful in the application of physics?
