The kangaroo's tail propels and powers pentapedal locomotion.
Biol Lett
; 10(7)2014 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24990111
ABSTRACT
When moving slowly, kangaroos plant their tail on the ground in sequence with their front and hind legs. To determine the tail's role in this 'pentapedal' gait, we measured the forces the tail exerts on the ground and calculated the mechanical power it generates. We found that the tail is responsible for as much propulsive force as the front and hind legs combined. It also generates almost exclusively positive mechanical power, performing as much mass-specific mechanical work as does a human leg during walking at the same speed. Kangaroos use their muscular tail to support, propel and power their pentapedal gait just like a leg.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Cauda
/
Macropodidae
/
Locomoção
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article