Maximal speed

Question 1

Blanco et al. 2003.

Answer 1

• Created a model for maximal running speeds of tetrapods with the aim of being able to use it to estimate the maximal running speed of extinct animals such as dinosaurs and giant mammals.
• Got a good fit with lots of mammals but not with elephants, Cape buffalo, bison.
• A source of error when comparing to giant animals is assuming they have the same elastic modulus of their bones.

Question 2

Denny. 2008.

Answer 2

• Dogs, humans and horses have a maximal speed that can be quantified using historical data from professional races.
• The study did not allude to what is causing these maximal speeds and said that it probably a combination of lots of factors.

Question 3

Weyand et al. 2010

Answer 3

• Maximal running speed in humans is dictated by the minimum time in which we can apply the GRF needed for locomotion.

Question 4

Self et al. 2012.

Answer 4

• Horses achieve their highest maximal speed when running on level ground.
• Horses slow down when running on an incline due to requirement to increase GPH and on declines due to simplicity of front legs in weight support and stability.
• Whereas humans highest maximal running speed is on a decline.

Question 5

Fuentes. 2016.

Answer 5

• Maximal speeds for small animals varies positively with increasing body mass whereas maximal speed for large animals varies negatively with increasing body mass.
• The limit on larger animals is imposed by structural restrictions of their bones and tendons.