The other advantage we have while running is that we’re not constantly slamming our intestines into our other vital organs and lungs because we’re upright.
Humans can out-distance a horse. A fucking HORSE. Incredible animal the oul’ human.
Comment on All downhill from there
Lucky_777@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Humans’ ability to sweat is something outstanding.
khannie@lemmy.world 2 months ago
FelixCress@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Humans can out-distance a horse
Speak for yourself, I cannot out distance a hamster lately.
khannie@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Oh I am most definitely not speaking for myself. Neigh. Not one bit.
I think that’s mostly down to our comparatively sedentary lifestyle though. Skinny AF, fit because I’ve had to run down a horse once a week and mid-20’s me could hopefully out-distance a horse. A small cow anyway.
ChicoSuave@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Neigh. Not one bit.
Are you a horse?
IncogCyberspaceUser@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Is that really a limiting factor for animals not upright? They have to stop going because their intestines slam into other vital organs, and they need a break, lest they get damaged?
exasperation@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
One big advantage is that we can run while breathing out of sync with our steps. Four legged running pretty much requires each inhale and exhale to sync with the compression and expansion of the torso with each stride. Humans, on the other hand, can run full speed while taking multiple steps per breath, depending on terrain and fatigue, which gives more options for pacing.
DragonSidedD@monero.town 2 months ago
Interesting, that dynamic is in line with the ‘radiator’ theory of human brain evolution.
From a more recent article:
the shift to an aerobic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle in early Homo, including long-distance running, exerted selection pressures that favored both increased endurance and enhanced brain growth
khannie@lemmy.world 2 months ago
I saw it in a documentary but it was a good while ago so to be honest I can’t remember what the exact mechanism was or if it was just a contributing factor over longer distances. I just remember storing it away as little nugget that made sense when presented.
It’s very late here and now you have me curious so I’ll probably have a dig around in the morning.
negativenull@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
That what I keep saying, but people still seem thoroughly unimpressed by my ability to sweat profusely the moment I get a little hot!
Agent641@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Interviewer: What would you say is your biggest strength?
Me:
Image
Donkter@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Sweating is such a powerful ability for humans when compared to the animal kingdom. I mean, not only does my sweat keep me cool, I can clear out an entire room with it if it’s a little too hot!
PalmTreeIsBestTree@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Unless it’s a 100% humidity day with a heat index above what is typical
boonhet@sopuli.xyz 2 months ago
It’s just that we’re so powerful, we need the extra cooling!