Nature World Today

Nature's Best Site

Ground-Running Birds Could Shed Light on Dinosaur Locomotion

by 52 Comments

Modern birds could help scientists better understand the way dinosaurs managed to shift and move their massive bodies as they ran, according to recent research published in the journal PLOS One.

Though the age of the dinosaurs ended some 60 million years ago, their legacy lives on through modern birds. The feathered animals are direct descendants of the ancient reptiles, which makes studying them a great way to get a glimpse of how dinosaurs may have acted.

In the new study, a group of researchers from the University of Queensland analyzed 12 ground-running bird species and looked at their running motions. To do that, the scientists videotaped the animals as they moved along special race tracks outfitted with special plates to measure how much force the birds exerted with their feet. 

Editorial content

That revealed, unlike humans, birds are able to smoothly shift between running and walking. Past studies have documented the flow before, and this research builds on such findings. It also gave a glimpse into how bird locomotion changed over time.

“Locomotion is important for understanding other parts of dinosaur ecology – how you find food, how you find mates, how you avoid becoming food yourself,” said lead author Peter Bishop, a researcher at the University of Queensland, according to The Guardian. “But for me, the most interesting part of dinosaur locomotion is that it’s the most critical part of how dinosaurs evolved into birds. There were a lot of changes in locomotion … including the development of powered flight.”

This research is significant because it allowed the team to create models that may show how bipedal dinosaurs once moved. As much as researchers have known about the ancient reptiles, understanding their movement is not an easy task. As a result, gaining insight into their locomotion could help shed more light on the long-extinct beasts.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 536303 987245This is a right weblog for would like to locate out about this subject. You realize a good deal its almost challenging to argue along (not that I personally would wantHaHa). You in fact put the latest spin with a topic thats been discussed for a long time. Fantastic stuff, just amazing! 993230

  4. 832820 234536Ive just been talking to Sean Gallagher about his upcoming Instant Income Cash Machine course, and hes been kind enough to fill me in on some details regarding his upcoming course. 312023

  7. 977865 135544While you are any of the lucky enough choices, it comes evidently, although capture the fancy with the specific coveted by ly folks other helpful you you meet could possibly nicely have hard times this particular difficulty. pre owned awnings 542461

  8. 485031 472600Hey There. I discovered your blog making use of msn. That is really a quite smartly written write-up. I will make confident to bookmark it and come back to read far more of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I will undoubtedly return. 642686

  12. Von Ändern für den Hintergrund Störung, music und Anbieter
    Worte, Sie können haben die Fähigkeit, realisieren der real Verbindung mit Roulette spielen.

  14. While you wish to pick up an additional box, I prefer to advocate the semi-bluff a
    great deal more regularly on-line than a straight-bluff.

  15. 156991 980685Dude.. My group is not considerably into looking at, but somehow I acquired to read several articles on your weblog. Its fantastic how interesting its for me to pay a visit to you fairly often. 114277

  17. 987860 579174I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everybody, finest both for the body and the mind. 69899

  19. 466448 494685Hey there, I believe your blog may be having browser compatibility issues. When I appear at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb weblog! 926817

  24. 428433 887202This internet site is my aspiration , really amazing pattern and perfect articles . 800202

  28. 692316 364621Hello! Ive been reading your internet site for a even though now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the very good function! 51182

  29. 750920 828533Hi. Cool write-up. Theres an concern along with your website in firefox, and you might want to check this The browser could be the market chief and a great section of folks will pass more than your wonderful writing because of this issue. 306957

  32. 130356 756350Wow! This could be 1 particular with the most helpful blogs Weve ever arrive across on this topic. Basically Exceptional. Im also an expert in this subject therefore I can comprehend your effort. 30916

  33. 887442 646611Im glad to become a visitor in this pure internet site, regards for this rare info! 510811

  36. 691100 786290Good day. Quite cool blog!! Man .. Outstanding .. Remarkable .. Ill bookmark your internet site and take the feeds additionallyI am glad to locate numerous helpful info appropriate here within the post. Thank you for sharing.. 680835

  40. 965739 609655Exceptional read, I just passed this onto a friend who was performing some research on that. And he in fact bought me lunch since I discovered it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! 230453

  44. 745067 63730Thank you, Ive just been searching for details about this topic for a whilst and yours may be the greatest Ive discovered till now. But, what in regards towards the conclusion? Are you confident concerning the supply? 864430

  45. 285711 258497Aw, i thought this was quite a very good post. In concept I would like to devote writing such as this moreover – spending time and actual effort to produce an excellent article but exactly what do I say I procrastinate alot by no means manage to get something done. 713945

  46. 765825 400348You completed several nice points there. I did a search on the concern and located practically all people will have the same opinion with your blog. 952726

  48. 452960 253869I was suggested this blog by way of my cousin. Im no longer sure whether or not this put up is written by him as nobody else realize such detailed about my trouble. Youre amazing! Thanks! 616132

  51. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Regards!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.