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Sharks, as fans of B-horror movies know, can also be quite hefty and large, yet still move quickly in the water. "I think it has to do with surface area to volume ratio and drag," Neil Hammerschlag, University of Miami marine biologist, told Discovery News. "That is perhaps why larger, longer boats and longer airplanes move quicker." Hammerschlag explained that big volumes have a smaller surface area to volume ratio and can move in a speedier fashion as a result, since surface drag can cause a boundary layer of water to sort of stick to the individual, potentially holding them back. Over the years, Olympic swimmers have been beefing up by incorporating weight training into their schedules. This not only helps to combat drag, but also to simply improve power. Australian Libby Trickett, for example, has a powerful upper body, which may be behind her success in the butterfly stroke. Rajat Mittal, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at George Washington University, has worked with Mark by providing information about swimming mechanics inspired by dolphins. Mittal recently even created a computer model of a dolphin to better understand its movements. Mittal said basic anatomical differences, such as lack of a totally flexible spine, joint structure, the nature of human musculature and the need to frequently breathe, keep humans way out of the range of shark and dolphin swimming records. "To win, our Olympians must go all out and swim in what is essentially an inefficient manner," Mittal said. "Dolphins and sharks, by contrast never compromise their speed with efficiency. They are truly among nature's best swimmers." Related Links: Jennifer Viegas' blog: Born Animal |
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