How did the larger dinosaurs run? How and why did they fight? The author applies laws of physics, mechanical engineering and aerodynamics to answer these and other questions.[...]
In this revised edition of R. McNeill Alexander's widely acclaimed 'Optima for Animals, ' we see how extraordinarily diverse branches of biology are illuminated by the powerful methods of optimization theory.[...]
Provides an overview of how animals run, walk, jump, crawl, swim, soar, hover, and fly. This book introduces energetics and optimality as basic principles. It tackles each of the major modes by which animals move on land, in water, and through air. It explains the mechanisms involved and the physica[...]