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Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol 115, Issue 1 231-238, Copyright © 1985 by Company of Biologists

JOURNAL ARTICLES

The maximum forces exerted by animals

RM Alexander

This paper reviews the maximum forces exerted by animals in a wide range of activities including running, jumping, swimming and biting. Most of the data refer to vertebrates and arthropods, ranging in size from 0.5-mg fleas to 3-tonne elephants. Maximum forces exerted on the environment give values of (force/body weight) which lie, in most cases, between 0.5 body mass-1/3 (kg) and 20 body mass-1/3. Maximum forces exerted by major muscle groups give values of (force/body weight) in most cases between 10 body mass-1/3 and 50 body mass-1/3.


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© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1985