Answers

30 answer(s)

<< First   < Prev   [1]   [2]   [3]   [4]   [5]   [6]   Next >   Last >>

Reply	Ignacio A. Ramirez says: Rather than attempt to answer, I#39;ll illustrate the human example: why are pubs also referred to as bars? Well, the quot;barquot; isn#39;t the counter where the drinks are served, but that little rod (quot;barquot;) that sits at ankle height on any stand-up pub, or that encircles the stools on a well-equipped drink#39;s counter. The rod#39;s purpose is to allow people to alternate their legs off the ground, so they don#39;t fidget around and can stand (and drink) longer.After this, we could then speculate about blood pressure and similar issues. Why we humans do use the bar?  (no votes) Tags: unanswered, domestic science, animals.
	posted on 2009-06-18 07:33:00 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: Because they can?  (no votes) Tags: unanswered, domestic science, animals.
	posted on 2009-06-18 12:24:01 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: in regard the bar argument, even while sitting I often lift one foot above the other by crossing my legs. I find it more comfortable. Sometimes I will sit on one foot for a while, then switch. Just like the bird.  (no votes) Tags: unanswered, domestic science, animals.
	posted on 2009-06-19 11:02:33 | Report abuse

Reply	Peter Verstage says: The answer is the same as that which I gave in 1991 and published in this column in August of that year:I you were to observe flamingos for any length of time, you would notice that not only do they alternate from one leg to the other, but also that there is an inverse correlation between the frequency of this alternation and the firmness of the river bed on which they are standing. The answer is, of course, that if they stand with both legs in the mud for a long period they run the risk of getting stuck. By changing legs before they sink in too far, this risk is eliminated. Peter Verstage Isle of Man  (no votes) Tags: unanswered, domestic science, animals.
	posted on 2009-06-21 15:13:21 | Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: I doubt if flamingos do it to conserve body heat. Aren#39;t they found in hot climates? They should be trying to get rid of body heat. This behavior is probably well-evolved for some particular reason. Perhaps it#39;s easier to spring at prey with one leg ready to land where it needs to in order to maintain balance. Then again other water-hunting birds don#39;t do this, so this is speculation. Other reasons could be that two legs in the water can be identified by prey and warn them off, or it#39;s some kind of social signal to other flamingos that say quot;I#39;m hunting, leave me alonequot; or something else. Or a social signal advertising athleticism and fitness by being able to stand on one leg.  (no votes) Tags: unanswered, domestic science, animals.
	posted on 2009-06-22 03:31:37 | Report abuse

<< First   < Prev   [1]   [2]   [3]   [4]   [5]   [6]   Next >   Last >>