3 ms·
My prior reading contradicts this idea. It's my understanding that humans, being bipedal rather than quadrupedal, are more efficient runners[0]. Quadrupeds hav
by jxcl 7y ago
My prior reading contradicts this idea.
It's my understanding that humans, being bipedal rather than quadrupedal, are more efficient runners[0]. Quadrupeds have the advantage over short distances [like dwarves, they are natural sprinters [1]], but their metabolism is not suited to endurance running. They lack sweat glands necessary to cool their bodies over long periods of exertion as well.
There are hypotheses of early humans hunting by purely chasing down their prey during the hottest part of the day and into hyperthermia.[2]
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endurance_running_hypothesis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endurance_running_hypothesis
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4qZrPX60bw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4qZrPX60bw
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistence_hunting#In_humans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistence_hunting#In_humans
- TheSpiceIsLife 7y agoIs there any evidence to suggest that humans have ever preyed upon other apex predators? I'm finding it hard to imagine humans would hunt down wild dogs / cats for food. Additionally, if lab mice can voluntarily run 10km in an evening, doesn't that alone shoot holes in this theory? My understanding was the theory indicated humans could outrun grazing animals. A quick search shows the Australian Kelpie can run 60km in a work day, and apparently the Australian Dingo has been know to travel 40km in a day. Here's an article[1] about long distance runners having canine companions because their human friends couldn't keep up. 1. https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20836779/super-distance-dogs/ https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20836779/super-distan...