Biology

Predictive musculoskeletal simulations reveal the mechanistic link between speed, posture and energetics among extant mammals

C. J. Clemente, F. D. Groote, et al.

Explore how speed, body mass, and posture influence mammals through groundbreaking simulations conducted by Christofer J. Clemente, Friedl De Groote, and Taylor J. M. Dick. Discover the surprising general rules that govern these relationships across species, from nimble mice to colossal elephants!

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Abstract

This study uses predictive human musculoskeletal simulations, scaled in mass from a mouse (0.1 kg) to an elephant (2000 kg), to investigate the relationship between speed, body mass, and posture in mammals. The simulations replicate observed patterns: an intermediate optimal body mass for speed; reduced cost of transport with increasing size; and crouched postures at smaller masses, upright postures at larger masses. Larger animals are limited by muscle force production, smaller animals by ground reaction force production. The findings suggest these phenomena are general rules, not specific to quadrupedal or bipedal gaits.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Oct 04, 2024

Authors

Christofer J. Clemente, Friedl De Groote, Taylor J. M. Dick

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