The Meaning of Life

Question 1

R.McN. Alexander and A.S.Jayes - March 1993

HYPOTHESIS

Answer 1

Dynamic similarity hypothesis, mammals move in a dynamically similar way when they travel at speeds which give them equal Froude No

Question 2

R.McN. Alexander and A.S.Jayes - March 1993

RESULTS

Answer 2

• Strong tendency for cursorial quadrupeds to move as near as possible to dynamic similarity when travelling at equal Froude No
• Less useful hypothesis for non-cursorial quadrupeds

Question 3

R.McN. Alexander and A.S.Jayes - March 1993

METHOD

Answer 3

Collated films, photos and studies of animals from prior research and compiled§

Question 4

S.R.Bullimore - December 2005

HYPOTHESIS

Answer 4

• If relevant biomechanic parameters scale with size to compensate for size difference, horses will move in a dynamically similar fashion
• Without a factor to compensate for size difference, deviations from dynamic similarity will occur

Question 5

S.R.Bullimore - December 2005

RESULTS

Answer 5

• Support hypothesis that real stride length and duty factor are independent of size in horses there for dynamically similar in horses of same Froude No
• Dynamically similar locomotion would not be expected in geometrically similar locomotion

Question 6

S.R.Bullimore - December 2005

METHOD

Answer 6

Measured RSL and DF in 21 horses

Question 7

D.F.Hoyt and C.R.Taylor - July 1981

HYPOTHESIS

Answer 7

Prove quadrupeds change gait at any speed to minimise energy consumption

Question 8

D.F.Hoyt and C.R.Taylor - July 1981

RESULTS

Answer 8

• Rate of oxygen consumption increased curvilinearly with walking and trotting
• Gait transition occurred at point when curves intersect and oxygen consumption is equal

Question 9

D.F.Hoyt and C.R.Taylor - July 1981

METHOD

Answer 9

Put horses on treadmills and measured oxygen consumption as an indicator of energy output