Compared to mammals, birds seem to have this jerky, almost robotic quality to the way they move. I was wondering if there’s any explanation for this
In: 1836
They have insanely low mass.
Pick up a pen, and see how quickly you can flick it around in your hand like a fencing sword. Then pick up a hammer and see how quickly you can flick it around. Same idea.
F = ma.
Mass is inversely proportional to acceleration.
A bird’s muscles are tiny and don’t exert much force, but they’re also moving around hollow bones.
p = mv
Δp (impulse) = Ft
Also because of low mass, with the same force, the change in momentum can happen in less time. Again, smaller force, but even smaller mass.
Low mass and fast movements are how most birds have evolved to be successful. Low mass lets them fly and get away from predators. Fast movements lets them nip bugs and worms easily. The smaller the bird, the more this effect is noticed.
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