Taste is essentially a form of chemical sensation, akin to touch, with specialized cells on the tongue being responsible for this sense in humans. Since we utilize our hands to bring food to our mouths, it is logical that our taste cells are located there. However, for organisms like flies, which do not have hands, having taste receptors situated on their feet allows them to sense food more efficiently as they land on it.

For instance, when a fly lands on a surface, it reacts to the taste sensations detected by its feet, indicating the presence of substances like sugar. This reaction triggers the fly's feeding mechanism, causing its proboscis to extend and suck in the fluids available. This adaptation showcases the diverse ways different species interpret and interact with their environment through the sense of taste, as detailed in Mary Roach's book, "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal."