Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

2 of 136 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Evolution is gearing up for a jump! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    The most likely outcome will be Gears of War.

  2. Re:B effing S by WilliamGeorge · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Really, mod that down as Troll? Because you don't agree?

    Some open minds that folks have here... if you find a comment you disagree with, don't mod it up - but don't mod it down until they have a "-1 Disagree" option.

    --
    William George