Imagine a predator catching a gecko by the tail, only to find that the tail has come away in its grasp.

The gecko is already escaping.

Many geckos can shed their tails when threatened. The detached tail may continue to wriggle, drawing the predator’s attention while the reptile slips into safety. It is a remarkable escape mechanism, although losing a tail costs the animal stored energy and regrowing one takes time.

The replacement may not even look quite like the original.

There is something almost comical about the whole business. The predator has caught something, the tail is still moving, and the gecko has disappeared. For a moment, the scene must be confusing for everyone except the gecko.

But nature has not handed it a free advantage. The animal must survive the injury, avoid further danger and spend energy rebuilding what it lost.

Still, the ability gives it another chance.

We often imagine survival as a matter of strength or speed. Sometimes it depends on a rather unexpected trick.

The gecko does not stop to mourn the missing tail. It gets out of danger first.

For a small creature living among much larger ones, that is probably the right order of priorities.

And if you happen to see a gecko on a wall tonight, remember: it may be carrying a spare plan, even if it is not carrying a spare tail.

Rajat Chandra Sarmah, Guwahati, Assam, India, Instagram @rajatchandrasarmah, YouTube: conversewithasmile, email rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com