Elephants' Legs Work Like Four-Wheel Drive

[n2doc]

Unlike all other four-legged animals, elephants use each limb for braking and accelerating.

Tue Mar 30, 2010 11:39 AM ET



Elephants' legs work like a four-wheel drive vehicle, making them probably unique in the animal kingdom, scientists said on Tuesday.

Their "four-leg-drive" system means power is applied independently to each limb.

All other four-legged animals are thought to have "rear-leg-drive", in which the hind legs are used for acceleration while the front legs are used more for braking.

"We have developed some new techniques for looking at animal movement that may change the way that we view the locomotion of other animals," said study leader John Hutchinson, from the Royal Veterinary College in London.

more

http://news.discovery.com/animals/elephants-four-wheel-drive.html

[FiveGoodMen]

1. That doesn't sound right.

Ever seen slow motion of a cheetah running?

It doesn't look like those front legs are passive, and they're certainly not trying to stop him!

[Vincardog]

2. Do you accelerate with the brakes on?

[FiveGoodMen]

4. I do not. What's your point?

[Vincardog]

5. It doesn't look like those front legs are passive, and they're certainly not trying to stop him! No

not when he is running. Did you ever watch a cat stop? It is mostly front legs.

[FiveGoodMen]

6. Here is the line I was responding to:

"All other four-legged animals are thought to have "rear-leg-drive", in which the hind legs are used for acceleration while the front legs are used more for braking."

I was suggesting that all four legs appear to be in on the acceleration phase.

[qazplm]

8. well the hind legs are used for acceleration

the front legs are used MORE for braking, but that does not mean they aren't used at all for acceleration.

It's not a perfect analogy no, but the gist seems valid.

[liberaltrucker]

3. So THAT'S how Repugs get out of deep shit.

Whoda thunk?

:)

[Ready4Change]

7. Source problem: Thinking of animal locomotion in Car terms.

Gonna claim a cow is a RWD sprinting animal? Ever seen the shoulders of a plow horse at work? Seen a hyena's tiny little butt? I'd say a badger is pretty darn 4WD.

just sayin' :)