Webbing is strong, woven fabric made in flat strips, like sturdy ribbons or straps. You've probably seen webbing used as seat belts in cars, straps on backpacks, or harnesses for rock climbing. Unlike regular fabric that can stretch and tear easily, webbing is designed to hold heavy weights and resist wear.

Military equipment, parachutes, and safety gear all rely on webbing because it's lighter than rope or chain but incredibly durable. When you adjust your backpack straps or buckle a seat belt, you're trusting webbing to do its job.

You might also encounter webbing as the thin skin that connects the toes of ducks, frogs, and other water animals. This natural webbing works like built-in flippers, helping these creatures push against the water efficiently when they swim. Otters, beavers, and even some dogs have webbing between their toes. If you spread your own fingers apart and look carefully, you'll notice a tiny bit of skin connecting them at the base. That's webbing too, just not as developed as a duck's.