Awesome facts for kids about Dove

I have a keen interested on and just want to share this amazing information about to all of you: Awesome facts for kids about Dove

#1

Dove can get easily adjusted in almost every kind of environment. So, we can find they everywhere except the truly harsh areas, like desert and Antarctica. How much do you know about tiger facts for kids ?

#2

Like all birds, Mourning Doves are unable to sweat, so to stay cool during hot weather. They pant just like a dog. Panting requires the doves to drink a great deal of water due the excessive loss of moisture to evaporation.

#3 

Mourning Doves produce a mournful cooing sound which is probably responsible for its memorable common name.

#4 

The names Pigeon and Dove are often used interchangeably. That might be one of the most awesome animal facts you had no idea before. In fact, in many languages, these terms are translated exactly the same. Pigeons and Doves belong to the same family, Columbidae, and have many similar features.

#5 

In Christianity, the dove is a common Christian symbol to embody the Holy Spirit. The Christian symbol of a dove with an olive branch in its beak represents peace.

#6

As with most birds, doves will primarily feed on seeds, nuts and fruits. Interesting, the species can actually be divided in terms of doves that primarily feast on seeds (granivorous) and the other family of dove, the frugivorous species, where fruit is the primary source of nutrition.

#7

Doves and Pigeons have no gall bladder. Although the reason behind this anomaly in unknown, interestingly, these birds still produce bile.

#8 

Both the male and the female produce milk for their young. Their milk is called crop milk. It contains a higher level of protein and fat than the milk produced by mammals.

#9 

Life span of dove in the wild is 1.5 years for adults. However, doves lifespan in captivity can exceed 20 years. Check out my list of fun, weird and just plain amazing fact of life I have found.

#10

When they lay eggs, it is usually just two. Incubation takes just two weeks.

Would pigs eat a human being?

Would pigs eat a human being? Have you ever wondered about this? Let’s see to find out all what you want to know about animals facts via the article here

Pigs cannot digest human or animal teeth. Human bones can be digested by a pig if they have broken into small enough pieces after being chewed, from everyamazingfactsoflife.

Pigs have a similar digestive system to human beings. They eat both plants and animals to survive in the wild. All food eaten must be chewed extensively for a pig to properly digest it. Berries have the best nutritional content to keep a pig healthy. Domesticated pigs are descendants of the wild boar family that originated in Asia and Europe. Some species of pig have large front teeth and large tusks which they use for self defense and digging roots out of the ground. That might be one of the most awesome interesting facts ever.

What is the purpose of hair on your head?

What is the purpose of hair on your head? I know for sure that many of us can't give the answer. Let's check out this article to know interesting science facts

As with the traits of any animal, we have evolved in certain ways based on our environment and the need to adapt to that environment. The hair on our heads provides warmth for cooler seasons (since we lose approximately 25% of our body heat through our scalp). The hair on the head also provides protection from UV rays, and from minor injuries.

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Our earlier ancestors (evolutionally speaking) had much more hair on all parts of their bodies. But with technological advancements (learning to make and tend fires, finding or making shelter, etc.) we became better able to withstand our environment and the need for the excess of hair began to decrease. Those individuals who were born with less hair were just as able to survive, and therefore their subsequent generations had less hair.

Hair remained in specific locations because it served other purposes. The armpits and groin retained hair because those areas are key heat-release zones (as evidenced by the practice of using tepid compresses at these areas to reduce fever quickly). The hair in these areas serves as a lubricant for the joining points of the body and prevents chafing of the skin because of the friction of the areas rubbing together.

The scalp also may have kept hair because it helped the body retain heat, but there is also the likelihood that the hair of the scalp was seen as esthetically pleasing and therefore attracted a mate more readily.

Check out my list of fun, weird and just plain amazing fact of life I have found.

What purposes do toes serve?

Do toes even do anything? Why do we have them? Do they serve any purpose? Could we live without them? These are all things many people might WONDER about their toes.

What's your favorite part of your body? For some, it's their eyes, because they allow them to see the world around them. Others couldn't do without their ears, because they love to listen to music. Many people would probably say their tongues, since they bring the tastes of delicious foods to life.

Find out more about interesting science facts via our articles.

On the other hand…or foot, not many people would claim that their toes are their favorite body part. Why not? Some might point to the fact that they're dirty and stinky from time to time. Others might point out the fact that they don't seem to be all that useful.

Do toes even do anything? Why do we have them? Do they serve any purpose? Could we live without them? These are all things many people might WONDER about their toes.

Rest assured, you need your toes. In fact, they are quite practical. Even though we can't use them to cling to tree branches or pick fruits, like chimpanzees can, our toes serve a few important purposes.

For example, your toes provide balance and support when you walk. When you walk, your toes maintain contact with the ground about 75% of the time. They exert pressure in a manner similar to the metatarsal foot bones integral to movement.

Your toes help your feet to bear the weight of your body when you walk. They play an even more important role in running. When you use your whole foot while running, your toes effectively increase the overall length of your foot, allowing you to run faster.

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Of all your toes, your big toes are the most important. They play the most critical role in maintaining your balance. They also bear the most weight when standing. Your big toes can bear almost twice as much weight as the other toes combined.

The least important of your toes are undoubtedly your pinky toes. As the smallest toes, they bear the least weight and have the least impact on maintaining balance. People born without pinky toes or those who lose one in an accident will see very little, if any, changes to how their feet function.

Of course, all these practical uses for toes shouldn't overshadow one of the fun uses for toes: tickling! If you have a friend with ticklish toes, you know how fun it can be to tickle them and send them into peals of laughter!

Check out my list of fun, weird and just plain amazing fact of life I have found.

Amazing Catus facts for kids

If you’re looking for the most interesting facts, you’re at the right place. Here are list of amazing facts about Catus for kids

• Size of cactus depends on the species. Largest species of cactus can reach 66 feet in height and weigh up to 4800 pounds (when it is fully loaded with water). Smallest species usually have only few inches in height.
• Cactus can have arborescent (tree-like), cylindrical, rounded, irregular or starfish shape. Surface can be flat or covered with ridges. This might be one of the most weird facts about them.
• Cacti can be green, bluish or brown-green in color. They have waxy substance on the surface which prevents loss of water via transpiration (loss of water through small holes when outer temperature is high).
• Cacti have spines instead of leaves. Spines can be soft or rigid, straight or curved, arranged in rows or scattered. They can reach 6 inches in length.
• Spines have two major roles: they prevent loss of water via transpiration and keep the plant safe from animals.
• Each spine develops from areole, which looks like a bump or nipple-like structure on the surface of the cactus.
• Since cacti live in dry areas, they need to absorb large amount of water and store it in the stem and roots for the periods of drought. Besides storing of water, stem plays role in the process of photosynthesis (production of food by using the sunlight and carbon dioxide).
• Water from cactus has higher density compared with tap water, but it is safe for drinking.
• Roots of cacti are located few inches underground, but they can reach 7 feet in diameter because water easily passes through the sand.
• Cacti have dormant periods and periods of intense growth and blossoming. Periods of growth require enough water and sunlight and they usually last shorter than periods of rest. Still boring? Check out our funny images to get relaxing moments in your freetime.

• Size and shape of flower depends on the species of cacti and type of pollination. They can be white, red, orange, pink or blue in color.
• Butterflies, bees, moths, bats and hummingbirds are main pollinators of cacti.
• Spines of cactus can be used in the production of hooks, combs and needles. Fruit can be used as food.
• Certain cacti produce substance called mescaline which induces hallucinogenic effects. It has been used by shamans to induce trans-like state and ensure "communication" with God.
• Cacti can survive from 15 to 300 years, depending on the species.

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A rich source of Saturn facts

How many facts did you know about  Saturn? Have you try to answer about this science facts? Let's us help you to list its facts as below rich source of Saturn facts:

Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second largest planet in the solar system. Saturn was the Roman name for Cronus, the lord of the Titans in Greek mythology. Saturn is the root of the English word "Saturday."

Saturn is the farthest planet from Earth visible to the naked human eye, but it is through a telescope that the planet's most outstanding features can be seen: Saturn's rings. Although the other gas giants in the solar system — Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune — also have rings, those of Saturn are without a doubt the most extraordinary.

Top 20 Saturn facts 

#1

Saturn is the lightest planet in our solar system.

#2

This planet is known as being a “gas giant”. The other planets that are classed as gas giants are Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus.

#3

Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system.

#4

The rings of Saturn are made of chunks of rock and ice. Did you enjoy our Saturn amazing facts?

#5

If you was driving at 75 miles (121 km) per hour, it would take 258 days to drive around one of Saturn’s rings.

#6

Saturn’s winds can blow up to 1,100 miles per hour, which makes it the windiest planet in our solar system.

#7

As Saturn has a very low density, if you were able to put it into water, it would float!

#8

Saturn is so big that Earth could fit into it whooping 755 times!

#9

Saturn is twice as far away from the Sun as Jupiter is.

#10

A year on Saturn would take almost thirty Earth years.

#11

A day on Saturn Planet is 10 hours 39 minutes. This is the truth, not just jokes as we've thought before.

#12

Enceladus, one of Saturn’s smaller moons, reflects some 90% of the sunlight, making it more reflective than snow!

#13

Planet Saturn is approximately 856 million miles away from the Sun.

#14

Saturn is named after the Roman god of agriculture.

#15

Saturn has 64 known moons orbiting it.

#16

At times, Planet Saturn can be the 3rd brightest planet in night sky.

#17

Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is the only moon in the Solar System to possess an atmosphere.

#18

Saturn Planet is about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium with minor traces of water, methane and ammonia.

#19

Galileo was the first to observe this planet with a telescope in 1610.

#20

Planet Saturn is the root of the English word “Saturday”.

World Series quick facts, sport facts

Let's have a closer look at 10 World Series quick facts you had no idea about.

1. Championship Game Predates World Series

Prior to the first World Series in 1903 and from 1884-1890, an Exhibition Series occurred between the champions of the National League and the American Association (a rival association that folded in 1891). The event was disorganized and thrown together by the teams themselves. Sometimes the Series lasted three games and others as many as 15. When the American Association dissolved, the National League continued as the only league.

2. Only one “world champion” team didn’t come from the United States

Despite the competition’s all-inclusive name, only one team not based in the United States has won the World Series: the Toronto Blue Jays, victors in both 1992 and 1993. Only one other international team—the now-defunct Montreal Expos—has ever even played in the major leagues, though they never appeared in the Fall Classic. Though there are talks of expanding into Mexico or other nearby countries (travel time makes a truly international sport difficult), an American “world champion” is a virtual guarantee for now.

Want to see funny pictures with captions, check out here now.

3. Only One No-Hitter

It is the fact that Yankees’ pitcher Don Larsen recorded the only no-hitter (in this case a perfect game) in World Series history during Game 5 of the 1956 Series.

4. Most Consecutive Scoreless Innings Pitched was 33

With 33 consecutive scoreless innings pitched, Whitey Ford holds the World Series record. Previously, the record holder was Babe Ruth, who pitched 29 2/3.

5. World Series was Cancelled Twice 

The player’s strike in 1994 cancelled that year’s Fall Classic, while a rivalry between the Boston Pilgrims and the New York Giants ended the 1904 Series. During World War II, the Series continued, however many of the best players fought overseas and were missing from the games. In 1943, the New York Yankees won the Series without Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, and Red Ruffing.

6. First Pinch-Hit Home Run was in 1947

Yogi Berra hit the first pinch-hit home run in World Series history in Game 3 of the 1947 World Series against the Dodgers’ pitcher, Ralph Branca. The Yankees lost the game, but won the Series in seven games.

7. Managers with 7 Wins had the Most in a World Series 

Former Yankee managers, Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel, set the record with each winning seven World Series games during their managerial careers.

8. It’s a Small World

It may be called the World Series, but it doesn’t seem like the rest of the world gets to play. The Toronto Blue Jays are the only team outside the US to have won the World Series – they were back-to-back champions in 1992 and 1993.

9. Most Stolen Bases was in 1967

Super-fast Lou Brock from the Cardinals set the single-season record with seven stolen bases in the 1967 World Series and in 1968 he tied it. He also shares with Eddie Collins the largest number of career stolen bases in the World Series, 14.

10. Before Championship Rings, Players took Home Watches or Medallions

Since 1967, the winner of the World Series has received the Commissioner’s Trophy and traditionally each winning team has presented its members with championship rings. Previously, players were given pocket watches or medallions. In 1922, the New York Giants became the first team to issue rings.

Aboves are the selected facts on World Series from factoflife that can help you know more about this. Hopefully, this article will prod you to love and follow for this year’s final chapters of America’s beloved sport. At the same time, you can also have a look at our rich source of entertainment facts on interesting films, amazing arts, joke of the day, music types, spectacular games and much more.

World Series quick facts, sport facts

Let's have a closer look at 10 World Series quick facts you had no idea about.

1. Championship Game Predates World Series

Prior to the first World Series in 1903 and from 1884-1890, an Exhibition Series occurred between the champions of the National League and the American Association (a rival association that folded in 1891). The event was disorganized and thrown together by the teams themselves. Sometimes the Series lasted three games and others as many as 15. When the American Association dissolved, the National League continued as the only league.

2. Only one “world champion” team didn’t come from the United States

Despite the competition’s all-inclusive name, only one team not based in the United States has won the World Series: the Toronto Blue Jays, victors in both 1992 and 1993. Only one other international team—the now-defunct Montreal Expos—has ever even played in the major leagues, though they never appeared in the Fall Classic. Though there are talks of expanding into Mexico or other nearby countries (travel time makes a truly international sport difficult), an American “world champion” is a virtual guarantee for now.

Want to see funny pictures with captions, check out here now.

3. Only One No-Hitter

It is the fact that Yankees’ pitcher Don Larsen recorded the only no-hitter (in this case a perfect game) in World Series history during Game 5 of the 1956 Series.

4. Most Consecutive Scoreless Innings Pitched was 33

With 33 consecutive scoreless innings pitched, Whitey Ford holds the World Series record. Previously, the record holder was Babe Ruth, who pitched 29 2/3.

5. World Series was Cancelled Twice 

The player’s strike in 1994 cancelled that year’s Fall Classic, while a rivalry between the Boston Pilgrims and the New York Giants ended the 1904 Series. During World War II, the Series continued, however many of the best players fought overseas and were missing from the games. In 1943, the New York Yankees won the Series without Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, and Red Ruffing.

6. First Pinch-Hit Home Run was in 1947

Yogi Berra hit the first pinch-hit home run in World Series history in Game 3 of the 1947 World Series against the Dodgers’ pitcher, Ralph Branca. The Yankees lost the game, but won the Series in seven games.

7. Managers with 7 Wins had the Most in a World Series 

Former Yankee managers, Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel, set the record with each winning seven World Series games during their managerial careers.

8. It’s a Small World

It may be called the World Series, but it doesn’t seem like the rest of the world gets to play. The Toronto Blue Jays are the only team outside the US to have won the World Series – they were back-to-back champions in 1992 and 1993.

9. Most Stolen Bases was in 1967

Super-fast Lou Brock from the Cardinals set the single-season record with seven stolen bases in the 1967 World Series and in 1968 he tied it. He also shares with Eddie Collins the largest number of career stolen bases in the World Series, 14.

10. Before Championship Rings, Players took Home Watches or Medallions

Since 1967, the winner of the World Series has received the Commissioner’s Trophy and traditionally each winning team has presented its members with championship rings. Previously, players were given pocket watches or medallions. In 1922, the New York Giants became the first team to issue rings.

Aboves are the selected facts on World Series from factoflife that can help you know more about this. Hopefully, this article will prod you to love and follow for this year’s final chapters of America’s beloved sport. At the same time, you can also have a look at our rich source of entertainment facts on interesting films, amazing arts, joke of the day, music types, spectacular games and much more.

Top 56 funniest science facts ever

Let's have a closer look at top 56 funniest science facts ever

• In a full grown rye plant, the total length of roots may reach 380 miles (613 km).
• In a full grown rye plant, the total length of fine root hairs may reach 6600 miles (10,645 km).
• A large sunspot can last for about a week.
• If you could throw a snowball fast enough, it would totally vaporize when it hit a brick wall.
• Boron nitride (BN) is the second hardest substance known to man.
• The female Tarantula Hawk wasp paralyzes a large spider with her sting. She then lays her eggs on the motionless body so that her developing young have a fresh supply of spider meat to feed on.
• The seeds of an Indian Lotus tree remain viable for 300 to 400 years.
• The only letter not appearing on the Periodic Table is the letter “J”.
• Velcro was invented by a Swiss guy who was inspired by the way burrs attached to clothing.
• Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.
• October 10 is National Metric Day.
• If you stretch a standard Slinky out flat it measures 87 feet long.

funny images

• The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
• Super Glue was invented by accident. The researcher was trying to make optical coating materials, and would test their properties by putting them between two prisms and shining light through them. When he tried the cyano-acrylate, he couldn't get the prisms apart.
• No matter its size or thickness, no piece of paper can be folded in half more than 7 times.
• A car traveling at 80 km/h uses half its fuel to overcome wind resistance.
• Knowledge is growing so fast that ninety per cent of what we will know in fifty years time, will be discovered in those fifty years.
• According to an old English system of time units, a moment is one and a half minutes.
• The typewriter was invented in 1829, and the automatic dishwasher in 1889.
• The wristwatch was invented in 1904 by Louis Cartier.
• When glass breaks, the cracks move at speeds of up to 3,000 miles per hour.
• By raising your legs slowly and laying on your back, you can't sink in quicksand.
• Ten minutes of one hurricane contains enough energy to match the nuclear stockpiles of the world.
• Most gemstones contain several elements. The exception? The diamond. It's all carbon.
• Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man.
• Which of the 50 states has never had an earthquake? North Dakota.
• When hydrogen burns in the air, water is formed.
• Sterling silver contains 7.5% copper.
• Cars were first made with ignition keys in 1949.
• J.B Dunlop was first to put air into tires.
• Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, also set a world water-speed record of over seventy miles an hour at the age of seventy two.
• It is energy-efficient to turn off a fluorescent light only if it will not be used again within an hour or more. This is because of the high voltage needed to turn it on, and the shortened life this high voltage causes.
• The Earth's equatorial circumference (40,075 km) is greater than its polar circumference (40,008 km).
• Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world.
• Due to gravitational effects, you weigh slightly less when the moon is directly overhead.
• The Earth's average velocity orbiting the sun is 107,220 km per hour.
• There is a high and low tide because of our moon and the Sun.
• The United States consumes 25% of all the world’s energy.
• Flying from London to New York by Concord, due to the time zones crossed, you can arrive 2 hours before you leave.
• There is enough fuel in a full tank of a Jumbo Jet to drive an average car four times around the world.
• The surface speed record on the moon is 10.56 miles per hour. It was set with the lunar rover.
• If you could drive to the sun -- at 55 miles per hour -- it would take about 193 years
• The moon is one million times drier than the Gobi Desert.
• Just twenty seconds worth of fuel remained when Apollo 11's lunar module landed on the moon.
• A Boeing 707 uses four thousand gallons of fuel in its take-off climb.
• The planet Saturn has a density lower than water. So, if placed in water it would float.
• Since 1959, more than 6,000 pieces of 'space junk' (abandoned rocket and satellite parts) have fallen out of orbit - many of these have hit the earth's surface.
• It takes 70% less energy to produce a ton of paper from recycled paper than from trees.
• Every year in the US, 625 people are struck by lightning.
• Hawaii is moving toward Japan 4 inches every year.
• The rocket engine has to supply its own oxygen so it can burn its fuel in outer space.
• The North Atlantic gets 1 inch wider every year.
• Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, waters, and atmosphere (about 49.5%)
• A stroke of lightning discharges from 10 to 100 million volts & 30,000 amperes of electricity.
• A bolt of lightning is about 54,000°F (30,000°C); six times hotter than the Sun.
• The average distance between the Earth & the Moon is 238,857 miles (384,392 km). 

It's hard to say whether or not the above awesome facts are full, but mostly there. So now, are you interested in funny jokes?

Fascinating and fun facts about tortoises

Do you like to see some animal facts in your sparetime? Here is fascinating and fun facts about tortoises

1. A TORTOISE IS A TURTLE, BUT A TURTLE ISN'T A TORTOISE.

A turtle is any shelled reptile belonging to the order Chelonii. The term "tortoise" is more specific, referring to terrestrial turtles. (Of course, there's always an exception. In this case, the land-dwelling box turtle.) Tortoises are usually herbivorous and can't swim.

One easy way to tell 'em apart: look at their feet and shells. Water turtles have flippers or webbed feet with long claws, and their shells are flatter and more streamlined. Tortoises have stubby, elephant-like feet and heavier, domed shells.

2. A GROUP OF TORTOISES IS CALLED A CREEP.

But you won't see a creep very often. (Not that kind, anyway.) Tortoises are solitary roamers. Some mother tortoises are protective of their nests, but they don't care for their young after they hatch.

For more facts: tiger facts for kids

3. TORTOISES INSPIRED THE ANCIENT ROMAN MILITARY.

During seiges, soldiers would get in testudo formation, named after the Latin word for tortoise. The men formed rows and held shields in front or above them to completely shelter the unit.

4. "TESTUDINAL" MEANS "PERTAINING TO OR RESEMBLING A TORTOISE OR TORTOISE SHELL."

5. TORTOISES HAVE AN EXOSKELETON AND AN ENDOSKELETON.

The shell has three main parts: the top carapace, the bottom plastron, and the bridge that fuses these pieces together. You can't see them, but every tortoise has ribs, a collar bone, and a spine inside its shell.

6. THE SCALES ON THE CARAPACE ARE CALLED SCUTES.

Made of the same keratin found in fingernails and hooves, scutes protect the bony plates of the shell from injury and infection. The growth rings around scutes can be counted to determine the approximate age of wild tortoises.

7. THE LIGHTER THE SHELL, THE WARMER THE ORIGIN.

Tortoises from hot places tend to have lighter-colored shells than tortoises from cooler areas. The light tan sulcata originates from the southern part of the Sahara Desert.

8. THEY CAN'T SWIM, BUT TORTOISES CAN HOLD THEIR BREATH FOR A LONG TIME.

They're extremely tolerant of carbon dioxide. It's a good thing—tortoises have to empty their lungs before they can go into their shells. You'll often hear them exhale when they're startled and decide to hide.

9. AND YES, THEIR SHELLS ARE SENSITIVE TO TOUCH.

Shells have nerve endings, so tortoises can feel every rub, pet, or scratch ... and sometimes they love it. Note: This delightful creature is a turtle, not a tortoise.

10. SULCATAS ARE ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR PET TORTOISES—AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST.

Get ready to move to the suburbs and amend your will. Sulcatas are the third largest tortoise species in the world, behind the Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoise. They can live more than 100 years and weigh up to 200 pounds.

Learn more: penguins facts

Giraffes only make sound at night

Do giraffes make sound? The answer lies in this writing. Let's see to discover the best answer for this amazing question

It’s long been assumed that unlike other animals, giraffe, even giraffe baby are largely silent beasts. They don’t oink, moo or roar. But new research suggests perhaps giraffes do have a distinct sound: They hum.

It was previously believed that giraffes may make sounds that are impossible for humans to hear, similar to elephants, but the new research suggests otherwise. In a new study published in the journal BioMed Central, researchers recorded over 940 hours of sounds from giraffes at three zoos over an eight-year period. Beyond the occasional snort or grunt, the researchers recorded humming sounds that the giraffes made only at night. The humming was 92Hz in frequency, Wired reports, which is still audible to humans but pretty low.

Though more research is needed (even though the researchers called making the recordings “consuming, tedious and very challenging”) it’s possible that the giraffes are using these noises to communicate with one another.

“These results show that giraffes do produce vocalizations, which, based on their acoustic structure, might have the potential to function as communicative signals to convey information about the physical and motivational attributes of the caller,” the researchers conclude.

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Do elephants run?

So without further ado, here is elephants for kids answer may interest you for the question: Can elephants run?

A charging elephant might not look like it's merely walking, but that's exactly what it may be doing. Surprisingly, scientists don't agree on whether elephants run in the traditional sense. Now a new study splits the difference, suggesting that a rushing elephant may be walking and running at the same time.

Elephants break all the rules of animal movement. Most four-legged vertebrates change their stride when they move at high speeds so that all four feet leave the ground at once. Elephants take faster and longer steps, but they never take all four feet off the ground. That helps them spread out their massive weight as much as possible, says Norman Heglund, a biomechanics expert at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. But then, are they really running?

That's been a tough question to answer. It turns out there's a lot more involved in running than just taking one's feet off the ground. The legs also flex in particular ways that change an animal's center of gravity and the force it exerts on the ground. Scientists can measure these changes in humans and other animals by making them walk across force sensing plates. But just try doing that with a 4000-kilogram elephant.

The closest researchers have come is high-speed video of rushing elephants analyzed by a team of researchers in 2003. John Hutchinson, a biologist of the University of London's Royal Veterinary College, and colleagues concluded from the footage that, when elephants move at high speeds, their back legs bend slightly, like a runner springing from step to step. But scientists wanted to see more quantitative data.

So in the new study, Heglund and colleagues engineered a heavy-duty force-sensing plate that could withstand being trampled by a charging elephant. They shipped sixteen of the plates, along with computers and video cameras to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang Province. There, they constructed a 2 meter by 8 meter track from the plates and filmed 34 elephants, each guided by a mounted trainer, as they traversed the track at a range of speeds.

Despite their size, elephants step lightly, the team reports today in The Journal of Experimental Biology. A human runner exerts peak forces of 3 times his or her body weight when running, while elephants exert at most 1.4 times their body weight. They also don't move their center of gravity much: Even at an 18 kilometer-per-hour charge, an elephant's center of mass moves up and down by about a centimeter, a smaller vertical movement than human runners make.
For more facts: tiger facts for kids

As to whether elephants actually run, the answer seems to be, well, sort of. While Hutchinson's team saw that an elephants' front legs walked while the back legs trotted, Heglund's team's measurements indicated the opposite: When stepping with a forelimb, the elephants' center of mass lowered slightly as the force on the ground increased, indicating a spring-like mechanism typical of a dog or a human's run. Meanwhile, even at high speeds, the elephants' back legs seemed to stay rigid, which is typical of a walk. "They don't really run in the classical sense," Heglund says. "They can't quite kick it into second gear, so they're stuck halfway in between" a walk and a run.

But that may not be the final answer, warns Hutchinson, who studied the same group of elephants alongside Heglund's team. He says that the elephants' feet likely touched more than one plate at once, making it hard to separate what individual limbs were doing. Still, he says, the research is important because it quantifies the forces with which elephants hit the ground. "It's nice to have the numbers."

If nothing else, the study illustrates that, when it comes to running in animals, "it's not one size fits all," says Daniel Schmitt, an expert in primate locomotion at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. "That speaks to how evolution works."

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What are similarities between humans and animals in genetic?

Enjoy our wide range of science facts and it’s the time for similarities between humans and animals in genetic:

It is very difficult to find reliable data comparing the human genome to animal genome. The principal reason is that few animals have had their full genome sequenced. Even those that have cannot be easily compared in terms of percentages because the genomic length and chromosomal division can vary greatly from one species to another.

Scouring the Web, here is what I have found so far.

- Genome-wide variation from one human being to another can be up to 0.5% (99.5% similarity)

- Chimpanzees are 96% to 98% similar to humans, depending on how it is calculated.

- Cats have 90% of homologous genes with humans, 82% with dogs, 80% with cows, 79% with chimpanzees, 69% with rats and 67% with mice. 

- Cows (Bos taurus) are 80% genetically similar to humans.

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- 75% of mouse genes have equivalents in humans (source), 90% of the mouse genome could be lined up with a region on the human genome (source) 99% of mouse genes turn out to have analogues in humans 

- The fruit fly (Drosophila) shares about 60% of its DNA with humans.

- About 60% of chicken genes correspond to a similar human gene.

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