Wandering salamanders are known for gliding high through the canopies of coastal redwood forests, but how the small amphibians stick their landing and take-off with ease remains something of a mystery.
- According to a new study published in the Journal of Morphologyreveals, the answer may have a lot to do with blood-powered toes of wandering salamanders.
- Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) can rapidly fill, trap, and drain the blood in their toe tips to optimise attachment, detachment and general locomotion through their arboreal environment.
- The research not only uncovers a previously unknown physiological mechanism in salamanders but also has implications for bioinspired designed. Having similar body shapes and some similar features, salamanders and lizards are very different!
- Salamanders are a type of amphibian; they have moist skin and are usually found in damp habitats near or in water. Salamanders are closer related to frogs despite how different frogs and salamanders look.
(Source: Science Daily)
