Ungulate Locomotion


Run like a Deer

Have you ever wondered why a dog doesn't run the same way as a deer or a horse does? Have you ever seen a giraffe running? Different animals run with different rhythms, different sequences of steps and using their muscles differently. Scientists examine what it costs an animal to run the way it does, in terms of calories. It fascinates me that there can be so many ways of getting around, all best for the particular animal. I don't have any research of my own on this topic, but I am collecting links.

Links to Ungulate Locomotion pages

Earthlife - A very general description of the gaits of many different mammals.

University of Michigan
- Department of animal diversity.

University of Connecticut - This is a course outline, so it may go away before too long.  But look at the biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics involved!

Robyn's Flying Start Home

This page written 24 May 2003 by Robyn Stewart.  Last updated 13 September 2003.
Copyright 2003 Flying Start Initiatives