Emus run like dinosaurs, always keeping one foot on the ground when running at a medium speed. Scientists at Utrecht University studied why birds run differently from humans.
For example, emus can run up to 50 km/h with one foot always on the ground at medium speeds, which uses more energy than having both feet off the ground like humans.
Scientists created a computer model of an emu to study running styles and energy use. They found that grounded running, like emus do, can sometimes be more efficient for birds with different anatomy.
Fossils show that some dinosaurs had postures similar to modern running birds. They had long tails and feathered forelimbs, resembling emus.
Grounded running in birds might have evolved from non-avian dinosaurs, along with other features like feathers and bipedality, according to researchers.
Vocabulary List:
- Anatomy /əˈnæt.ə.mi/ (noun): The structure of an organism or its parts.
- Efficient /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ (adjective): Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.
- Bipedality /ˌbaɪpəˈdælɪti/ (noun): The ability to walk on two feet.
- Grounded /ˈgraʊndɪd/ (adjective): Having a part in contact with the ground; not airborne.
- Fossils /ˈfɒs.əl/ (noun): The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in rock.
- Resembling /rɪˈzɛm.bəl.ɪŋ/ (verb): To look like or be similar to another person or thing.
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