Be happy with the basic principle, but delighted with details (locomotion, diving-bell idea, etc.) Howsit work?
2007-01-16 11:37:21 · 7 answers · asked by Skeff 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Some vertebrates like various lizards accomplish this feat simply by running really fast across the surface, kind of like a snowmobile can cross water with enough speed.
Insects have several ways in which to walk across water.
1) they have a network of fine hairs on their body which increases surface area.
2) most insects are so light and with the addition of these hairs do not break the surface tension.
Some have hydrophobic secretions, various chemical secretions which make their bodies completely water repellent, the hairs also act in the same way in various groups.
2007-01-16 14:22:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water has many unique characteristics. One of the most amazing is surface tension. Ever fill a cup so high the water looks like it is higher than the lip of the cup and yet it does not spill over?
Surface tension allows some insects to walk on water. A certain lizard, basilisk lizards, can run on water because of surface tension, their speed, and weight distribution.
2007-01-16 20:00:15 · answer #2 · answered by cripm88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way to answer this is to ask, "Why can't I walk on water?"
When you sink, you are pushing aside whatever is there. The force you push it aside with comes from your mass (weight) and how spread out that weight is - a boats weight is spread out enough to float, while a submarine changes it's weight to float or sink.
So, an animal that walks on water doesn't have enough force (weight) to push aside the water molecules it is walking on. If you can't push things aside, you can't sink. And if you can't sink, the only thing left for you to do is float.
2007-01-16 19:45:13 · answer #3 · answered by xaviar_onasis 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are light enough that the surface tension of the water will support them.
2007-01-16 19:41:15 · answer #4 · answered by tokes 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They are lightweight and have fine hair on their feet that allows them to glide on water thats all ty
2007-01-16 19:53:06 · answer #5 · answered by Pinoy Sophomore 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it is because they are really light as compared to the water.........In which case I would love to be a critter........hmmm that does not sound right now that I think of it..........hmmmmmmmm.........question good you ask wise one
2007-01-16 19:41:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
cause they are lighter or less dence then water
2007-01-16 19:41:46 · answer #7 · answered by Mysterious 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋