Newton’s laws of motion might never have been formulated had his research solely focused on felines.
Suppose you suspend a cat upside down by its abdomen and then release it from a second-story window. Since cats are notoriously adept at righting themselves in mid-air, the assumption that they’re purely mechanical systems governed by Newton’s laws alone seems oversimplified. Despite the technicalities, many felines typically avoid danger by adjusting their descent, allowing them to land gracefully on their paws.
While many may be familiar with the impressive agility of cats through cinematic depictions, For over a century, scientists have puzzled over the physics behind a cat’s remarkable ability.
According to Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek’s recent paper, a mathematical theorem effectively models the falling cat as a mechanical system by carefully factoring out its complexities.
The renowned theoretical physicist at MIT, Wilczek, notes that the theorem bears no relevance to the natural world of felines, specifically organic cats. These approaches don’t appear to be discrete mechanical methods, instead potentially consuming stored energy while enabling mechanical progression.
Despite apparent exceptions, physical laws govern cat behavior as well as all other living organisms, from insects to elephants. Biology’s intersection with physics is undeniable, as the two disciplines harmoniously coalesce. Across a range of scales, from the microscopic realm of frictional forces to the complexities of fluid dynamics in air and water, animals have evolved to harness fundamental physical principles to propel themselves forward, whether through running, swimming, or flying. Animal behaviour’s diverse facets, encompassing everything from breathing to building habitats, ultimately hinge on the subtle interplay between physical constraints and opportunities.
“Dwelling organisms exhibit complex behaviors that are governed by physical principles across various spatial and temporal scales,”
While the study of animal behavior still has a long way to go, significant strides have been taken in understanding individual human behaviors, including how they develop from interactions with others and environmental factors. By examining the diverse range of abilities displayed by animals, researchers can not only gain a deeper understanding of how they execute these skills, but also uncover novel physics insights through the scrutiny of these talents, which may currently be unknown to scientists.
Critters in movement
The fundamental principles of physics govern the movements and interactions of animals across diverse spatial ranges, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. At the most minute level, van der Waals forces between proximal atoms enable geckos and certain insects to ascend walls and navigate ceiling surfaces with remarkable dexterity. On a slightly larger scale, various textures and architectural structures exhibit affinity for diverse organic forms of movement. Scientists have discovered that the intricate mechanisms in bird feathers are remarkably similar to Velcro, facilitating a secure bond between individual feathers, thereby enabling birds to soar effortlessly through the skies, as reported by Rieser and their team.
The incorporation of organic textures enables the creation of realistic motion simulations by allowing for the generation of frictional forces between animal components and various surfaces. California king snakes exhibit scales with unique textures that facilitate rapid forward gliding while simultaneously increasing friction to prevent unwanted reverse or lateral movement. Research indicates that certain species of sidewinding snakes have evolved distinct surface textures that effectively reduce friction along their trajectory of movement.
Small-scale structures are also crucial for facilitating animal interactions with water. For many animals, the presence of microstructures renders their physiques superhydrophobic, effectively preventing water from penetrating their surfaces. In humid environments, the ability of animals such as flying birds and insects to shed water droplets assumes critical importance, particularly when weight and stability are paramount, notes Dr. Rieser of Emory College, along with co-authors Chantal Nguyen, Orit Peleg, and Calvin Riiska.
Water-blocking surfaces also help animals maintain healthy, unblemished skin. The self-cleansing mechanism, as outlined in the Annual Review, may play a crucial role in shielding the animal from potential threats such as skin-borne parasites and various infections by providing an added layer of protection against these risks? In certain situations, removing foreign substances from an animal’s habitat is crucial to preserve its ability to blend into surroundings effectively.
