The Metabolism of Dinosaurs Running at Their Maximum Speed

• Scott A. Lee ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Toledo

     University of Toledo

     City of Toledo, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: The Physics Teacher, ISSN 0031-921X, Vol. 63, Nº. 2, 2025, págs. 102-106
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Many, if not all, dinosaurs are believed to have been endothermic (“warm-blooded”) animals,1,2 permitting a very active lifestyle. We develop a methodology that connects the metabolism of a running animal with its kinetic energy, permitting the students to determine this maximum metabolism of dinosaurs (including the famous Velociraptor) running as fast as they could. This fun activity empowers the students and gives insight into the lives of these magnificent animals. Dinosaurs are always a popular classroom topic. Life science majors are particularly intrigued by this example. Techniques to handle significant uncertainties are also used in this problem.