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Running energetics in the pronghorn antelope.
S L Lindstedt1, J F Hokanson, D J Wells
1Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071.
Nature
|October 24, 1991
Summary
Pronghorn antelope possess extraordinary running endurance, achieving speeds of 65 km/h for extended distances. Their remarkable aerobic capacity, not muscular efficiency, enables this sustained high-speed locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Zoology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) exhibit exceptional speed, second only to cheetahs.
- Their ability to sustain high speeds (65 km/h) over long distances suggests unique physiological adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological mechanisms behind the pronghorn's endurance.
- To determine if high muscular efficiency or superior oxygen supply facilitates their running ability.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of maximum oxygen uptake in pronghorn antelope.
- Calculation of predicted cost of transport at various speeds based on body mass.
- Comparison of measured oxygen uptake with predicted aerobic capacity.
Main Results:
- Predicted energy cost for sustained speeds (65-100 km/h) significantly exceeded the maximum aerobic capacity of a similarly sized mammal.
- Pronghorn antelope demonstrated a capacity to consume and process oxygen far beyond typical mammalian limits.
- The observed performance was not attributed to unique respiratory structures.
Conclusions:
- Pronghorn antelope's endurance is primarily due to an exceptional capacity for oxygen consumption and processing.
- This allows them to sustain speeds exceeding 70 km/h without specialized respiratory anatomy.