You may have noticed some animals can climb walls vertically, so easily, but have you ever thought about how they do it. How do ants climb walls, or how does a squirrel climbs up a tree. Today I will explain the mechanism hidden in their legs that makes that happen.
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So there are 2 main mechanisms hidden in these Animal's feet, First of all, Animals like squirrels, and second insects like Ants. These 2 ways are very different than each other but can help their respective Animals climb up vertically.
Image Source: speechfoodie
First of all, In Animals like Squirrels, their feet have sharp claws, that help them grab the unevenness of certain vertical surfaces. For example, the tree's bark is perfect for them to climb because it makes a tight grip on the tree and its claws. These claws are tiny but powerful enough to support the weight of the squirrel
Second, In insects like Ants, Beetles, and termites, their feet excrete certain chemicals which provide an adhesive force on the surface. This in turn helps them stick to the surface of walls, and helps them climb vertically. This chemical is a glue-like substance. Although it is not strong enough, it is good enough to support a lightweight insect, like an ant.
