Hares. Their biological features. What is the maximum speed of a hare?

In nature, there are many record runners. Everyone knows that the fastest animal in the world is a cheetah. Further, with a small gap in speed go gazelle, antelope, dog greyhound, horse, zebra and hare. About the last sprinter and will be discussed in the article, where it will be told what the maximum speed of the hare and how it helps it survive among predators.

Features of hares

Zoology distinguishes several species and subspecies of these animals. On the planet live a hare-bushman, bristly, African, climbing (or Japanese woody, which is on the verge of extinction), tailless and black-tailed and even more than a dozen species. Do not forget, of course, and our Russian rabbits - a hare, a white dog.

Species differ in color, habitat, gastronomic habits, even the composition of blood. Common to all rabbits:

• The jaw structure, which allows fractional grinding and solid vegetable food (branches, bark of trees);
• Teeth grind and grow throughout life;
• Acute hearing and vision, especially well developed sense of smell;
• Presence of special odorous glands for detection by relatives;
• Excellent fitness for running (the maximum speed of the hare can reach 60 km / h);
• Terrestrial animals, poorly climb and swim;
• Great fecundity (in the year the female leads up to 4 broods of 5-10 toddlers each).

Quick-footed animals

All hares are excellent sprinters. The amazing ability to run so fast in these small animals is developed due to the special development of the musculoskeletal system. The hind legs are long and muscular, allowing you to make huge jumps 3-4 meters in length. The hind legs are also much longer than the forelegs. This feature makes it possible to immediately develop a huge speed from the spot. The maximum speed of the hare is already 5 seconds (!) Running reaches 50 km / h.

Also, the structure of the feet contributes to the high speed. Narrow and long, they provide good adhesion to the earth's surface and help to effectively repel when jumping.

Another curious fact. In hares, the right and left extremities are not developed symmetrically. This is the reason that in the running the hare does not move in a straight line, but winds. This ability, given to him by mother nature, increases the chances of escaping from a predator.

The fixed maximum speed of the hare at escape from danger was 75 km / h! This is a rabbit hare, which amongst its kindred is the fastest-toothed.

How did scientists study the maximum speed of the hare

Zoologists, studying the life of animals, pay great attention to their habits, group behavior and response to danger. The main methods of such study are observation, ambushes, photographing, video shooting. Also catching animals, on which special sensors are put on, is carried out. They fix the movement, speed, even the physiological reactions of the body to stress and danger.

It was with this sensor that the maximum speed of the hare was recorded. A photo of a haremaker, running from danger with all his might, is very difficult to do. However, with the help of the newest cameras, fixing the time and taking off 10 frames per second, it was possible to record a record speed of a hare - 75 km / h.