There are many runners in nature. Everyone knows that the fastest animal in the world is a cheetah. Further, with a small margin in speed, there are a gazelle, an antelope, a greyhound dog, a horse, a zebra and a hare. The last sprinter will be discussed in an article where it will be told what is the maximum speed of a hare and how this helps him survive among predators.
Features of hares
Zoology distinguishes several species and subspecies of these animals. On the planet live a Bushman, bristled, African, climbing (or Japanese arboreal, which is on the verge of extinction), tailless and black-tailed, and even more than a dozen species. We will not forget, of course, our Russian bunnies - the brown, the hare.
Species differ in color, habitat, gastronomic habits, even blood composition. Common for all rabbits:
- the structure of the jaw, which allows fractionally grinding solid vegetable food (branches, tree bark);
- teeth grind and grow throughout life;
- sharp hearing and vision, the sense of smell is especially well developed;
- the presence of special odorous glands to detect relatives;
- excellent adaptability to running (the maximum speed of a hare can reach 60 km / h);
- terrestrial animals, poorly climb and swim;
- high fecundity (per year, the female leads to 4 broods of 5-10 babies each).
Swift animals
All hares are great sprinters. The amazing ability to run so fast in these small animals is developed thanks to the special development of the musculoskeletal system. The hind legs are long and muscular, which allows you to make huge jumps 3-4 meters in length. The hind legs are also much longer than the front. This feature makes it possible to immediately develop tremendous speed. The maximum speed of the hare already at 5 seconds (!) Running reaches 50 km / h.
The structure of paws also contributes to high speed. Narrow and long, they provide a good grip on the earth's surface and help to effectively repel when jumping.
Another curious fact. In the hare, the right and left limbs are not developed symmetrically. This is the reason that in the run the hare does not move in a straight line, but winds. This ability, given to him by Mother Nature, increases the chances of escaping from a predator.
The recorded maximum speed of the hare when avoiding danger was 75 km / h! This is a hare of a species of rodents, which among its relatives is the fastest leg.
How scientists studied what is the maximum speed of a hare
Zoologists, studying the life of animals, pay great attention to their habits, group behavior and response to danger. The main methods of such a study are observation, ambushes, photographing, and video filming. Catching of animals on which special sensors are put on is also carried out. They record movement, speed, even physiological reactions of the body to stress and danger.
It was with the help of such a sensor that the maximum speed of the hare was recorded. It is very difficult to make a photo of a brown man, who is escaping danger from all legs. However, with the help of the latest cameras, recording time and taking 10 frames per second, it was possible to fix a speed record of a rosace - 75 km / h.