The Bug with the Only Mechanical Gears in Nature

The small hopping insect Issus coleoptratus uses toothed gears (magnified above with an electron microscope) to precisely synchronize the kicks of its hind legs as it jumps forward. All images courtesy of Malcom Burrows

Read more: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2013/09/this-insect-has-the-only-mechanical-gears-ever-found-in-nature/#ixzz2enq5wwqi 

This article was found by a Preschool Engineering fan. It is so cool that I have to repost it here... My
kiddo loves the video on this page.

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2013/09/this-insect-has-the-only-mechanical-gears-ever-found-in-nature/