Scientists have found that geckos hang from ceilings thanks to millions of tiny hairs on their toes. Which of the following examples is most likely a biotechnology development derived from studying the gecko?

Question

lgbasallote · Answer

do you have some choices?

anonymous · Answer

Yes sorry!
 adhesive tape

 reflective paint

 wall-walking robots

 hybrid-synthetic fibers

lgbasallote · Answer

hmm tough choices..

lgbasallote · Answer

i dont think reflective paint uses hair.....so i guess it can be crossed out

anonymous · Answer

Haha I wasn't sure what hybrid synthetic fibers were I tried to look it up but i was still confused

lgbasallote · Answer

i *think* it has something to do with clothing or something

anonymous · Answer

haha well okay then thanks(:

anonymous · Answer

The interesting fact about gecko feet that was discovered is just that they make use of van der Waals attractions, and that by getting enough intimate contact between its feet and the surface, the gecko can get quite a lot of attraction.  This insight could presumably lead to better adhesive tape, which works on roughly the same principle -- getting twisty coily polymer fibers into intimate contact with surfaces -- and perhaps to wall-walking robots, if there were any (I don't think they are).  Reflective paint is usually just paint with glass beads in it, and I don't see any applications of surface adhesion to that.  Nor do I see much with fiber technology.

Problem is, none of these things can be classified as a biotech project, unless "biotech" is absurdly broadly defined.  But I'd still probably go with adhesive tape.  It shows you understand the basic principles at issue are surface adhesion.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much!! You are amazing @Carl_Pham!!

anonymous · Answer

Just a lot older, Stephie.  I'm sure when you're my age you'll know at least as much, probably even more since you're studying hard now.  But thank you and you're welcome.

lovelyharmonics · Answer

that answer is wrong you guys