New research: Birds' running style is so "cunning"

Author: Duan Yuechu and Huang Yanhong

According to the journal Science Advances on September 25, 2024, in our daily lives, birds often attract our attention with their light posture and agile flying ability. However, have you ever noticed the way birds run on the ground? They sometimes look weird and almost ridiculous, especially when they fly around quickly or run around on their thin legs. Today, let us take a deep look at this unique way of running of birds and uncover the mystery behind it.

1. The uniqueness of the way birds run

For starters, birds rely in part on a style of running known as "on-foot running." This style of running is characterized by having at least one foot on the ground at all points in the running cycle. This is in stark contrast to "on-air running," which is what fast runners rely on, where both feet leave the ground at some point in the cycle. This style of running may seem strange at first glance, but it actually has its own unique advantages.

2. Analysis of computer models

Computer models of an ordinary running bird show that, at a certain speed, stopping to run is less energy-intensive for birds than running in midair. Why? Birds have their knees and hips tucked high up under their bodies. This structure allows them to use energy more efficiently while running, reducing unnecessary consumption. If you curl up like a bird, you might choose this running style, too. As Scientific American senior news writer Megan Bartels says, give it a try.

3. Significance and Value of the Research

1. Understand the evolution of birds

The study has important implications for our understanding of the evolution of birds. One of the study's co-authors believes that small velociraptors and other dinosaurs that are most closely related to birds "may have chased their prey like nightmare agents from the Department of Stupidity." This suggests that the running style of birds may have been inherited from their dinosaur ancestors. By studying the running style of birds, we can better understand the movement and living habits of dinosaurs, thus providing important clues for the study of biological evolution.

2. Enlightenment from biomechanics

From a biomechanical point of view, the way birds run also gives us a lot of inspiration. Biomechanicist Amitāb Manavzadeh pointed out: "If we look at the movement of birds from a human perspective, then (running on foot) seems to be a very strange and stupid thing, because it looks very expensive. When you understand the anatomical structure of birds, it is actually a very smart thing." The body structure of birds has undergone a long evolutionary process and has adapted to their living environment and lifestyle. We can learn from the way birds run how to optimize human movement, improve exercise efficiency, and reduce sports injuries.

Factors that influence the running style of birds

1. Body structure

The body structure of birds is one of the important factors that affect their running style. Their knee and hip joints are hidden high under their bodies, which allows their legs to support their bodies more stably when running and reduce energy consumption. In addition, the leg muscles of birds are also very developed, which can provide strong power and enable them to run quickly on the ground.

2. Living Environment

The living environment of birds also affects their running style. For example, birds living in grasslands may need to run faster to escape from predators. Birds living in forests may need to run more flexibly to cross complex terrain. Therefore, birds in different living environments may develop different running styles to adapt to their respective survival needs.

5. Importance of protecting birds

Birds are an indispensable part of nature and they play an important role in the ecosystem. For example, birds can help spread pollen and seeds, control the number of pests, and maintain ecological balance. However, due to the impact of human activities, the living environment of birds is facing serious threats. For example, deforestation, urbanization, environmental pollution, etc. may lead to a reduction in bird habitats, insufficient food sources, and increased living pressure. Therefore, we have the responsibility to protect the living environment of birds and take effective measures to protect the survival rights and interests of birds.

VI. Conclusion

The "cunning" running style of birds may seem strange, but it actually contains profound scientific truths. By studying the running style of birds, we can not only better understand the evolution of birds and the principles of biomechanics, but also gain inspiration from it to optimize human exercise. At the same time, we should also realize the importance of protecting birds and take positive measures to protect the living environment of birds, so that these beautiful creatures can continue to thrive in nature.

In short, the way birds run is a research field full of mystery and charm. I believe that with the continuous advancement of science and technology, our understanding of the way birds run will become deeper and reveal more mysteries about life to us.