Fig. 3: Free body diagram depicts forces acting on the system during the peak excursion phase of the fall-arresting response.
From: Tails stabilize landing of gliding geckos crashing head-first into tree trunks
Body position θ corresponds to the pitch-back angle that is enclosed by the geckos’ torso and the tree trunk. External forces are indicated in green, bold font, whereas virtual forces are shown in violet.
