Gecko

There are about 750 species of geckos. The gecko is a small and harmless creature. These nocturnal reptiles have soft skin, and a short, stout body carrying a large head. These facts aren't what is truly interesting about the gecko. The gecko has weak limbs equipped with suction-padded digits that enable them to effortlessly climb along incredibly smooth ceilings. This ability was previously believed to be the work of capillary action in the gecko's toes, but …

…things thought to be true must be challenged at some point or another, and if scientists had just gone along believing what was previously thought about geckos humans may have never explored the far corners of space which are now at our fingertips. Also, this discovery proves the important point that even the smallest creatures can change the course of humanity and teach us things never thought of in the history of science or engineering.