Topic: Trotting Horses and Hunting Cheetah: An Anatomist’s Perspective on Locomotion

In this talk, Dr. Alan Wilson, Professor of Locomotor Biomechanics at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, will describe the specialized anatomy of athletic animals with particular reference to muscle and tendon and discuss the factors that define endurance, speed, acceleration and maneuvering performance. He will present data and insights gained from studies of a range of domestic species, African predators and their prey and talk about the evolution from laboratory based measurements to developing wildlife collars containing using GPS and inertial sensors. Topics will also include how athletic a prey animal needs to be to evade capture by a cheetah or lion, the tactics the prey should use to maximize its chance of survival and the remarkable anatomy and physiology that enable a wildebeest to cover 80 km over five days in 40C heat without drinking.

Registration: This is a hybrid event with limited capacity for in-person attendance, up to 25 people. Registration is required for all those that plan to attend, virtually or in person.

Learn more online.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stuart Dunn