First example of functional gears found in nature

[deltasigma]

The structure itself has been known since the 50’s but the fact that it works as gearing mechanism is recent.

 A species of [plant-hopping insect](http://www.livescience.com/2917-bug-incredible-leaps-explained.html), *Issus **coleoptratus*,  is the first living creature known to possess functional gears, a new  study finds. The two interlocking gears on the insect's hind legs help  synchronize the legs when the animal jumps.

  "To the best of my knowledge, it's the first demonstration of [functioning gears](http://www.livescience.com/5954-scientists-harness-bacteria-turn-microscopic-gears.html)  in any animal," said study researcher Malcolm Burrows, an emeritus  professor of neurobiology at the University of Cambridge in the United  Kingdom. 

[Der_Trihs]

Already posted.

[deltasigma]

Oh well. I did a search on insect gears and didn’t see anything.