Biological Curiosity and Bipedalism: The Intriguing Reason Some Animals Aspire to Walk on Two Legs Like Humans.
Fascinating F kingdom's Bipedal Citizens
Ever wondered why some creatures prefer to strut like we humans? Well, let's dive into the bizarre and amazed world of bipedal animals.
In the grand biology book, 'bipedalism' signifies the art of getting around on solid surfaces using two pairs of limbs. In this wild yarn, we'll explore bipedal beasts that outdid us in this endeavor.
Ostriches: Modern-Day Dino Lookalikes
There's a theory that bipedalism was a strategy adopted by predators. For a whopping 140 million years, until the end of the Cretaceous period, the dominant terrestrial carnivorous vertebrates were bipedal dinosaurs. Remember those fierce Abelisaurids? They lost their front limbs over evolution.
Ostriches? Not dinosaur descendants, but they share genetic resemblances. Although they're not meat-eaters, a single kick from their mighty leg with a sharp claw can maim or kill a young lion.
Bipedalism allows ostriches to reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour, faster than an average passenger train. In the wild, only a cheetah can outrun an ostrich, but it's too risky even to dream of chasing one.
Jerboas: Desert Dancers
These small rodents of the steppes and deserts have adapted to hop on two legs, making them speedy and agile on sandy and uneven surfaces. Similar tactics are used by kangaroos, reaching speeds close to ostriches.
Among mammals, pangolins are notable bipeds. They may stand on their hind legs using their tail as support, taking a few steps. Internet sensation Faith, the one-legged dog, is a well-known case of dog bipedalism.
Basilisk Lizards and Crocodiles: Water Walkers
The Basilisk lizard and the Helmeted Basilisk aren't the only creatures that can run on water. Some ancient crocodile species did it 110-120 million years ago. Walking on their hind legs, they used their entire foot, including their heels, a trait shared solely with humans and bears.
Some modern-day crocodiles are also reported to walk on two legs using their tails for support.
Extra Insights:- Gibbons and Indriids: These primates may walk bipedally for brief periods on the ground[1]- Gorillas and Chimpanzees: They mimic human bipedalism, primarily for reaching food or exploring their environment[5]- Kangaroos and Wallabies: These marsupials are famous for their bipedal hopping[5]- Kangaroo Rats and Springhares: These rodents also hop bipedally for locomotion[1]- Lizards: Some species, like the Basilisk, use bipedalism to escape predators[1]- Dogs: While uncommon, dogs have been spotted walking on their hind legs in unusual situations, like comedy acts or training[2][3]
In the realm of health-and-wellness, studying the speed and agility of bipedal animals such as ostriches can offer insights into human fitness-and-exercise techniques, as they can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Remarkably, even some mammals, like jerboas and pangolins, have adapted the bipedal strategy, showcasing the diverse ways species have evolved to navigate their unique environments.
