Allometry of the legs of running birds |
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| Authors: | G M O Maloiy R McN Alexander R Njau and A S Jayes |
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| Institution: | *Department of Animal Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya;**Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, University of Leeds, Leeds England |
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| Abstract: | The principal bones, muscles and tendons of the legs have been measured in a selection of running birds, ranging in size from 0–1 kg quail to 40 kg ostrich. Maximum stride frequencies of the same species have been determined from films. Allometric equations have been derived. Most of the exponents agree well with McMahon's (1973, 1975a) theory of elastic similarity, which is discussed. |
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