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Informationen zum Autor John E.A. Bertram is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, and adjunct Professor in the Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Calgary in Calgary, AB, Canada Klappentext Locomotion, along with feeding and reproduction, is one of the three key functional capacities of mammals. An understanding of locomotion is imperative to understanding the adaptive evolution, opportunities, and constraints acting on any animal. Comparative analysis of locomotion is an area of widespread interest but the diversity of forms, as well as physiological and behavioral differences, make a comprehensive analysis of all animal forms of less practical value than a focused treatment of a specific, functionally related group, such as the terrestrial mammals. The analysis of the mechanics of locomotion in terrestrial mammals also includes its relationship to, and concepts shared with, human locomotion.Understanding Mammalian Locomotion: Concepts and Applications formally introduces the emerging perspective of collision dynamics in mammalian terrestrial locomotion, and explains how it influences the interpretation of form and functional capabilities. Edited and authored by leaders in the field, the text brings the reader who is interested in the function and mechanics of mammalian terrestrial locomotion to a sophisticated conceptual understanding of the relevant mechanics and the current debate ongoing in the field.* Takes a novel approach to terrestrial locomotion by including the energetics of collisions* Introduces concepts poised to change the perspective and, consequently, the approach of research in terrestrial locomotion, including human locomotion* A timely synthesis of the 21st century perspective on mammalian locomotion* Delves into the concepts needed to understand and appreciate the field in a concise manner* Describes applications of the concepts to real-world situations Zusammenfassung This book introduces the emerging perspective of collision dynamics in mammalian terrestrial locomotion and explain how it influences the interpretation of form and functional capabilities. The coverage brings the reader to a sophisticated conceptual understanding of the relevant mechanics and the current debate ongoing in the field. Inhaltsverzeichnis List of Contributors xv Preface xvii Chapter 1 Concepts Through Time: Historical Perspectives on Mammalian Locomotion 1 John E. A. Bertram 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 The ancients and the contemplation of motion 2 1.3 The European Renaissance and foundations of the age of discovery 3 1.4 The era of technological observation 5 1.5 Physiology and mechanics of terrestrial locomotion - cost and consequences 7 1.6 Comparative studies of gait 10 1.6 Re?]interpreting the mechanics: a fork in the road, or simply seeing the other side of the coin? 13 1.7 The biological source of cost 13 1.8 The physical source of cost (with biological consequences) - the road less traveled 14 1.9 Conclusions 21 References 21 Chapter 2 Considering Gaits: Descriptive Approaches 27 John E. A. Bertram 2.1 Introduction 27 2.2 Defining the fundamental gaits 28 2.3 Classifying and comparing the fundamental gaits 30 2.4 Symmetric gaits 32 2.5 A symmetric gaits 34 2.6 Beyond "Hildebrand plots" 40 2.7 Statistical classification 43 2.8 Neural regulation and emergent criteria 45 2.9 Mechanical measures as descriptions of gaits 47 2.10 Conclusion 47 References 48 Chapter 3 Muscles as Actuators 51 Anne K. Gutmann and John E. A. Bertram 3.1 Introduction 51 3.2 Basic muscle operation 52 3.2.1 Sliding ...
