3 ms·
While I can't be certain, I believe it might not handle wear very well based on the article. Near the end they mention that it molts several times growing new,
by andrew_gardener 13y ago
While I can't be certain, I believe it might not handle wear very well based on the article.
Near the end they mention that it molts several times growing new, larger versions of the gears. When its an adult, it actually loses these gears entirely.
Their theory is that when the insect is fully grown is gets rid of the gears since it can no longer molt and thus replace them if they become damaged.
- dsuth 13y agoWhat's interesting is that their replacement - essentially friction pads, IS expected to last the remainder of their life (and for other similar insects). I would have expected gears to last longer than something relying on friction, especially at those levels of energy.
- shabble 13y agoFriction pads would probably have much more predictable wear (potentially in excess of the expected lifespan of the critter), whereas the discrete, stress-concentrating nature of gears would put them at higher risk of a single weak spot leading to cascading failure (then again, they'll still technically last almost a lifetime :)).
- estebank 13y agoI guess that the difference is the failure mode for friction pads is more gracious than for gears, making survival more likely.