Birds and Grounded Running
When it comes to running, birds have a unique style that may seem goofy to human observers. Unlike humans who pick up their feet when they want to move fast, birds tend to keep one foot on the ground at all times, leading to a strange-looking gait known as “grounded running.” According to Pasha van Bijlert, a Ph.D. candidate in evolutionary biomechanics at Utrecht University and Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands, grounded running in birds is often overlooked by people. He explains, “Some of the times that you see a bird walking in a weird way, they’re actually not walking; they’re running—you can tell from the fact that they’re bouncing.”
This unique running style has puzzled scientists for some time, as it appears to be less energy-efficient compared to the aerial running style humans use. However, a recent study published in the journal Science Advances sheds light on why birds opt for grounded running. The study, led by van Bijlert and his colleagues, utilized a computer model of a Common Emu to demonstrate that the birds’ posture makes grounded running more efficient than aerial running at certain speeds.
The Science Behind Grounded Running
To understand why birds employ grounded running, researchers focused on two key factors: the highly elastic leg tendons of birds and their crouched stance, with hips and knees tucked into their bodies. Since physically altering a bird’s anatomy for experimental purposes is not feasible, the team turned to computer simulations to explore how these factors influence the birds’ movement and energy expenditure.
The virtual model of an emu used in the study allowed researchers to manipulate the birds’ leg anatomy and study how different gaits affected their efficiency in moving at various speeds. According to Armita Manafzadeh, a biomechanist at Yale University, the simulations revealed that starting from a straight-legged standing position or keeping one foot on the ground as much as possible were effective strategies for reducing energy expenditure while moving quickly.
This research not only sheds light on the mechanics of bird locomotion but also has implications for understanding the movement of dinosaurs, particularly those closely related to birds. Van Bijlert suggests that dinosaurs like velociraptors may have used grounded running to chase down their prey. The study opens up new avenues for exploring the ways in which ancient creatures moved and hunted.
Implications for Understanding Animal Locomotion
The study’s findings highlight the importance of considering different species’ unique adaptations and behaviors when studying animal locomotion. Manafzadeh emphasizes the need to approach research with a broad perspective that goes beyond human-centric views. She explains, “If we try to interpret the diversity of animal locomotion through a human lens, we’re going to miss out on lots of really cool and equally viable ways of moving around the world.”
By delving into the mechanics of grounded running in birds, researchers are not only uncovering the secrets of avian locomotion but also gaining insights into the movement patterns of long-extinct creatures like dinosaurs. This interdisciplinary approach to studying locomotion opens up new possibilities for understanding the evolutionary history of movement in vertebrates.
In conclusion, the study on birds’ grounded running sheds light on the efficiency of this unique locomotion style and its potential applications in understanding the movement of dinosaurs. By employing advanced computer simulations and biomechanical analyses, researchers are unraveling the mysteries of animal locomotion and broadening our understanding of the diverse ways in which creatures navigate their environments.