Titre/Title :
Surface tension and wetting in biology
Contact :
Jan-Bert Flor
Résumé/Abstract :
We present the results of recent investigations of several biological systems dominated by the influence of surface tension. Particular attention is given to elucidating natural strategies for water-repellency, underwater breathing, fluid transport on a small scale, and walking on water. Examples are primarily taken from the world of insects, but capillary feeding in shorebirds is also highlighted.