The Energy-efficient Hopping Kangaroo

How does the energy storage in the tendons of kangaroos contribute to their hopping ability?

a. By converting kinetic energy into elastic energy

b. By conserving energy during each hop

c. By increasing speed and efficiency

Answer

The energy storage in the tendons of kangaroos plays a critical role in their hopping ability by converting kinetic energy into elastic energy.

Kangaroos have incredibly efficient leg tendons that act as energy storage units during hopping. When a kangaroo lands, the tendons stretch and store kinetic energy as elastic energy. This stored energy is then released to help the kangaroo leave the ground, propelling it forward.

As a kangaroo increases its speed, it spends more time in the air with each bounce. However, the contact time with the ground remains approximately the same. This is due to the characteristics of the tendons acting like a spring in simple harmonic motion.

When the kangaroo hops faster, the amplitude of the oscillation increases, while the period decreases because it is in direct proportion with the amplitude. This results in the kangaroo covering a larger distance during each hop, storing more energy in the tendons. Even though the kangaroo spends more time in the air, the contact time with the ground remains constant.

Overall, the energy-efficient design of kangaroo tendons allows them to hop effectively and conserve energy, contributing to their unique ability to move efficiently across their environment.