ELI5, Why can seemingly every animal run faster and for longer than humans?
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Faster yes, but not for longer. Some animals are able to sprint for longer then humans but not run. Humans are essentially the best marathon runners and are even better at longer distances again. This is because humans use a lot less energy when running compared to other animals. Having two legs instead of four is likely helping us conserve a lot of energy. But this efficient way of running does cost in top speed. And when trying to sprint our cells are just not able to produce that much energy and quickly run out.
We think that this helped early humans hunt by stalking the pray to exhaustion. You might not be able to sneak up on a flock of deer, or catch them when they start sprinting away from you. But the deer have to stop to catch their breath after a bit while you can just keep running after them. Your intelligence means you notice where they are going and can track them even when they are out of sight. When you get to them they are still catching their breath and have to sprint away with lactic acid in their vanes. The second and third time you run into them they will sprint slower and for shorter distances. Eventually they are too tired to run and have to fight you. So you get close enough to pierce them with a spear.
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