Tag: locomotion
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Giant 250kg Kangaroos Likely Could Still Hop, Say Scientists
Scientists Revisit Megafauna Mobility For millennia, Australia’s megafauna has fascinated researchers and the public alike. Among the most intriguing questions is how the continent’s giant kangaroos—some weighing as much as a small human—moved. Recent biomechanical analyses suggest these behemoths, despite their impressive weight, were capable of hopping with energy efficiency similar to today’s kangaroos. This…
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Kangaroos Adjust Posture to Conserve Energy While Hopping
New Insights into Kangaroo Locomotion Researchers have unveiled a surprising mechanism behind the efficient hopping of kangaroos: posture adjustments that help conserve energy as they accelerate. The findings, stemming from a series of careful observations and experiments, suggest that kangaroos can increase hopping speed while keeping the energetic cost in check by optimizing body alignment…
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Evolutionary trends in vertebral morphology of extant Delphinidae
Introduction The cetacean clade Odontoceti showcases remarkable diversity in form and function. Within this group, the Delphinidae family (oceanic dolphins and allies) comprises a substantial radiation of 38 extant species. A central facet of their success lies in the vertebral column, a flexible architectural spine that underpins propulsion, maneuverability, and depth regulation. By examining patterns…