Functional demands of dynamic biological adhesion: an integrative approach

摘要: Climbing organisms are constantly challenged to make their way rapidly and reliably across varied often novel terrain. A diversity of morphologically mechanically disparate attachment strategies have evolved widely distributed phylogenetic groups aid legged animals in scaling these surfaces, notable among them some very impressive adhesive pads. Despite the differences between, for example, dry fibrillar pads geckos smooth, secretion-aided stick insects, I hypothesize that they face similar functional demands environment. outline three broad criteria defining dynamic biological adhesion: reusability, reversibility, substrate tolerance. Organismal must be able attach repeatedly without significant decline performance, detach easily at will, adhere strongly broadest possible range surfaces habitat. survey literature suggests evidence general principles can found existing research, but many gaps remain filled. By taking a comparative, integrative approach adhesion, rather than focusing on few model organisms, investigators will continue discover new interesting natural systems.