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May 19, 2006

Strange But True!

Q. In the physical performance realm (biomechanics, etc), what do we humans do better than any other of the million-plus known species? Gloaters welcome here!

A. In sheer aerobic endurance, the human (trained) is hard to beat, says Indiana University kinesiologist John S. Raglin. Animals may easily outpace us, but if the “race” is stretched out for hours or days, most researchers agree that humans would win the gold. Upright humans are also extremely good at dissipating heat while animals trap it with all their hair, explains biologist and anthropologist James Carrier. “We are the best sweaters on the planet.” Hence we become endurance walkers, bikers, marathoners.


 
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