Articles tagged with Animal Locomotion
Researchers found that Asian elephants can move at speeds of up to 15 mph, with some individuals reaching 50% faster than previously recorded speeds. This gait, dubbed "Groucho running", meets the biomechanical definition of running, where the center of mass appears to bounce and the footfall pattern is different from walking.
Scientists discovered that early mammals used epipubic bones to stiffen their bodies during trotting steps, allowing for increased mobility and locomotor efficiency. This finding suggests that the development of these bones contributed significantly to the evolution of mammals.
Researchers found that waddling actually helps penguins save energy by using their leg muscles more efficiently. They also discovered that penguins are not inefficient walkers because of their gait, but rather due to the short length of their legs.
The discovery of a 170-million-year-old dinosaur tracksite in the Gypsum Spring Formation sheds light on the geographic distribution of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period. The site preserves evidence that some dinosaurs may have been swimmers, with estimated speeds of up to 9.2 kilometers per hour.
The UC San Diego team, led by captain Scott Ketcham, aims to shatter the Human Powered Vehicle Association's non-propeller world speed record. The SubSonic submarine features a dolphin-inspired design with vectored thrust and dynamic ballast tanks for propulsion.