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First Gear Mechanism Discovered In Nature

Posted by timothy on from the where's-the-missing-link-this-time dept.

GameboyRMH writes "A gear mechanism has been discovered [paywalled original paper here, for those with access] for the first time in nature in the nymph of the Issus, a small plant-hopping insect common in Europe. It uses the gears to synchronize the movement and power of its hind legs, forcing the legs to propel it in a straight line when jumping, which would otherwise be impossible for the insect if it had to control the timing and force of its leg muscles independently."

3 of 136 comments (clear)

  1. Transformers by AmiMoJo · · Score: 4, Interesting

    One of the original origin stories for the Transformers was that they evolved from naturally occurring pulleys and gears. IIRC it was used in the comics, until they retconned it.

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  2. Re:Insect Ex Machina by Hamsterdan · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Which brings us to this

    http://theoatmeal.com/comics/mantis_shrimp

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  3. it's the bombardier beetle all over again by circletimessquare · · Score: 3, Interesting

    http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/bombardier.html

    "how can it evolve? it will blow up if it doesn't get it just right!"

    we should all realize that, unfortunately, creationists will immediately alight upon these gears as "intelligent design" and disproof of evolution

    "how can it evolve? if the gears don't mesh, it doesn't move!"

    you can't argue with the dull and intellectually dishonest

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