Eli5: how are humans, who are two legged, able to out endure creatures that are four legged?

Question

Eli5: how are humans, who are two legged, able to out endure creatures that are four legged?

In: 1455

Answer 1

Others have it, but not a good ELI5.

Most four legged mammals’ breathing is connected to their stride. One step, one breath. These mammals also can’t sweat, they have to pant in order to cool down. So they have to stop running in order to cool down.

This is compounded by the fact that four legged creatures have their entire back exposed to the sun. A two legged posture, by contrast, offers much less surface area to the sun overhead.

So basically, sweating. Being able to sweat is the human super power.

Source: Born To Run (great book!)