The odd body helps ostriches run fast

Many people believe that ostrich-shaped bodies make them look clumsy. But a new study found the animal's odd form actually helped these flightless birds move smoothly while running.

Biologist Devin Jindrich at Arizona State University, USA, developed mathematical models to predict how this animal moves, based on body index, running speed, foot position and inertia. .

The scientists trained 8 ostriches running on a rubber road 23m long and on a disc measuring the foot force touching the ground. They also use 8 cameras to record the position of body movement. The software will analyze movement and position of joints on ostrich body. Birds either run in straight lines or run around obstacles.

In order to be successful in redirecting, the runner needs not to turn too much. People slow down to avoid excessive rotation, while researchers find ostriches do not take much effort to slow down as they turn.

"It seems ostrich is shaped to make it easy to transform," Jindrich said.

According to Jindrich's calculations, the egg-like body and the horizontal body of the ostrich have higher inertia when running compared to the vertical body of the human being. This makes it harder for ostriches to spin themselves and not be so easily rotated as humans. The birds turn only by turning themselves toward the target.

Jindrich said that the results could help create devices that make patients with spinal injuries more easily accessible.

MT