Water Repellence in Gecko Skin: How Do Geckos Keep Clean?

Abstract

Leaving the water in mesozoic times, the reptiles developed an integument, which enabled them to survive the transition from water to air. The reptilian skin is covered by a pronounced keratinized uppermost layer, which protects the body from both extensive transcutaneous water loss and mechanical damage. However, this solution evolved in the dry environment, led to additional problems, discussed below, to be solved applying the laws of physics. In the present chapter, we will consider geckos, which are an excellent example for structurally caused hydrophobic surfaces. The latter serve as an excellent example for the epidermal morphological interaction between the skin and the physical forces of the environment.