Eli5 how can insects survive a slap from humans, a creature that’s gigantic compared to them
In: 4969
As an example of fleas.
Fleas are small and light. Their chitin can withstand a lot of weight for how small they are.
Your fingers and flesh are soft and dampen the amount of force you can apply.
So no matter how hard you try, slapping or crushing a flea with your fingers or palm is difficult or impossible. Squeezing a flea between two fingers is unlikely to kill it.
However, if you crushed a flea between your finger nails…. Well your finger nails aren’t soft like your skin. And you’ll crush it.
So if you flicked an insect with your fingernail, you’ll probably kill it.
But if you tried to palm crush an insect, it might just survive.
Latest Answers