More About Bipedalism in Mammals
Here is a little more info about how mammals can further benefit from adopting a bipedal stance. Not only would mammals benefit better in becoming bipedal, but also they would do better walking around like the theropod dinosaurs used to, as seen on the mammals of Metazoica, rather than upright as we do. This was one scientists' observations that was sent to me by a friend.
The first of these is in the book Chasing Kangaroos by Tim Flannery. In it, some scientists did a comparison of energy efficiency of kangaroos compared to quadrupedal animals. In energy efficiency, the kangaroo blew the quadrupedal animal tested out of the water. Another interesting coincidence is found in humankind itself. Among mammals, humans have extraordinary endurance; a fit human can outpace a quarterhorse!
The second one shows how dinosaur-style bipedal gaits are better than erect gaits. Among mammals, humans are unusually subject to a panoply of back problems. This is because our spinal chords are erect, and so our vertebrae are pressing against one another due to gravity. This leads to bad back, slipped discs, and more. Animals with theropod-style stance, however, such as birds are rarely subject to these problems, because the back is mostly the same as it would be in horizontal position, albeit with less support in the forequarters.
This I believe blows to death the theory that mammals taking on a bipedal gait is impossible and a waste of energy! They require NO energy!! Or less than quadrupeds! Mammal bones are also heavier in proportion to their size than dinosaur bones, so they would benefit better by being theropod-like bipeds than quadrupeds because they would burn less energy. Note what I said about streamlining. And I believe Proletarian was wrong about if mammals took on a bipedal stance they would have to lose and then re-evolve their legs. Did we have to do that to take on a bipedal stance? No, we didn't!
The first of these is in the book Chasing Kangaroos by Tim Flannery. In it, some scientists did a comparison of energy efficiency of kangaroos compared to quadrupedal animals. In energy efficiency, the kangaroo blew the quadrupedal animal tested out of the water. Another interesting coincidence is found in humankind itself. Among mammals, humans have extraordinary endurance; a fit human can outpace a quarterhorse!
The second one shows how dinosaur-style bipedal gaits are better than erect gaits. Among mammals, humans are unusually subject to a panoply of back problems. This is because our spinal chords are erect, and so our vertebrae are pressing against one another due to gravity. This leads to bad back, slipped discs, and more. Animals with theropod-style stance, however, such as birds are rarely subject to these problems, because the back is mostly the same as it would be in horizontal position, albeit with less support in the forequarters.
This I believe blows to death the theory that mammals taking on a bipedal gait is impossible and a waste of energy! They require NO energy!! Or less than quadrupeds! Mammal bones are also heavier in proportion to their size than dinosaur bones, so they would benefit better by being theropod-like bipeds than quadrupeds because they would burn less energy. Note what I said about streamlining. And I believe Proletarian was wrong about if mammals took on a bipedal stance they would have to lose and then re-evolve their legs. Did we have to do that to take on a bipedal stance? No, we didn't!
Okay, now I think we're going a bit far in criticizing Proletarian. It is starting to feel like we are roasting him too much...
ReplyDeleteThis is my last one as long as he leaves me and my project ALONE!! Let me do my thing my way and he can do his his way.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, just to show I am a nice person, and I don't want to roast anyone, I will delete that portion of this blog about Proletarian.
ReplyDeleteProletarian has had some very good ideas in the past. I particularly liked some of the ideas he had for his "Ulterior Praesenti" project. Its his way of debating with those he disagrees with that frustrates me.
ReplyDelete