So many things Mother Nature does for her critters would certainly be handy for humans. I reckon that nature sees that we don't use too much of the natural instincts she gave us, so figures that any more would just be a waste. Now days we depend so much on machines and technology that if we lost the use of our tech stuff...we would certainly be in trouble!
The Thorny Devil Is A Living Paper Towel
The moloch, also known as the thorny devil, is an odd lizard that looks like a throwback to the dinosaur age. They live in the deserts of Australia, where nobody messes with them because every solid inch of them is covered in wicked looking spikes. The moloch eats only ants and has a number of interesting adaptations and strategies that help it to survive in such a hostile environment. Perhaps none of them is so astounding though as the way they get their liquids.
The thorny devil can drink with its feet—or just about any other part of its body, because their skin is super-hydrophobic. Their cracked, craggy skin is covered in microscopic ravines and valleys designed to “wick up” fluids, basically repelling the water upward. It’s like what happens when you dip the corner of a paper towel in water. The water is absorbed and it climbs up the sheet, apparently in defiance of gravity. The same thing happens with the thorny devil.
Its skin uses capillary action, which is the tendency of liquids to move though narrow spaces because of intermolecular forces. It stores the water in its skin, then, by means that are not entirely understood, utilizes some movement of the jaw or tongue to pump this fluid from pockets on its face into its mouth.
The thorny devil’s entire body is a series of microscopic straws that all lead to the mouth. How would you like to be able to eat soup by standing in it? The moloch has achieved this dream. (Don’t lie: You’ve totally dreamed that.)
Ya know, this little guy sort of reminds me of the Texas Horned Toad. I don't reckon they have all the same talents as the Thorny Devil, but they sure look alike!
Better have our coffee in the kitchen this morning. It's a tad chilly outside.
