Flight presents a different problem from movement in water however, as there is no way for a living organism to have lower density than air. Friction may also present a problem in flight, and the aerodynamically efficient body shapes of birds highlight this point. Although animals with natural buoyancy need not expend much energy maintaining vertical position, though some will naturally sink and must expend energy to remain afloat. In aqueous environments however, friction (or drag) becomes the major challenge, with gravity being less of a concern. In terrestrial environments gravity must be overcome, though the friction of air is much less of an issue (except for crawling animals like worms, for which friction is much higher). Locomotion requires energy to overcome friction and often gravity as well. Ability to do so efficiently is therefore essential to their survival. However, most animals must move around to find food, mate, and so forth. Some animals such as sponges are sessile, and move the fluid in which they live through their body (this is known as filter feeding). As all animals are heterotrophs, they must obtain food from their environment. Not all animals move, but locomotive ability is widespread throughout the animal kingdom. In biomechanics, animal locomotion is the study of how animals move. File:Beeinflightfromfront.jpg A bee in flight.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |