Exploring Biomechanics: Animals in Motion

Alexander, R. McNeill

ISBN 10: 071675035X / ISBN 13: 9780716750352

Published by Scientific American, New York, New York, U.S.A., 1992

About this Item

Combines zoology and physics to show how even the most puzzling methods of locomotion can be understood, at least in part, by applying basic principles of classical mechanics and engineering. Green-blue boards with silver lettering on spine, vii, 247 pp., full-color illustrations throughout, tight binding, nice jacket. Scientific American Library Series number 40. Excellent condition.

Seller Inventory # 017051

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Exploring Biomechanics: Animals in Motion
• Publisher: Scientific American, New York, New York, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 071675035X
• ISBN 13: 9780716750352
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Printing
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science

About this title

Synopsis

The book examines the entire range of animal movements. Beginning with humans and other complex animals and ending with single-celled organisms, the book describes and illustrates how animals walk, run and jump; crawl and climb; soar and fly; float and swim. Are insects crawling on the underside of leaves defying gravity? Are fleas really nature's premier jumpers? Can a running cheetah reach 70 miles per hour? Do flying squirrels and lizards actually fly? The answers to these and other related questions are in this volume. The range and speed of movement in all complex animals are governed by muscles. This book begins with an overview of muscle physiology that explains the relation between energy costs and the ability to do work and exert force. Subsequent chapters examine in detail the specific ways animals travel, as the author demonstrates how body structure and patterns of movement are adapted to produce the most energy-efficient performance possible. The book offers dozens of examples of animals in motion, describing experiments that reveal among other things-how human walking differs from all other forms of animal walking; how insects adhere to surfaces; how the flight of birds is analogous to that of helicopters rather than airplanes; how ducks, penguins, squid, dolphins, trout, and eels exemplify different forms of swimming; and how amoebas "walk" by extending their pseudopods.