Hitching a lift hydrodynamically--in swimming, flying and cycling

J Biol. 2004;3(2):7. doi: 10.1186/jbiol5. Epub 2004 May 4.

Abstract

Swimming animals set the water around them moving, and flying animals generate air movements. Other animals traveling with them can save energy by exploiting these movements of the fluid medium; similarly, a cyclist can save energy by riding close behind another. A new study of dolphin mothers and calves exemplifies the advantages of moving in concert.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Dolphins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mothers
  • Swimming / physiology*