Abstract
MR. GAWN has revived interest in Gray‘s1 demonstration that the drag of a fast-moving small whale, treated as a rigid body, seems to demand far more power than its muscles could supply, even if the propulsive efficiency were 100 per cent. Clearly, the assumptions underlying the evaluation of the equation need reconsidering. We have recently published some work2 which considers two of the factors : muscle power and propulsive efficiency.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Gray, J., J. Exp. Biol, 13, 192 (1936).
Parry, D. A., Thesis for Ph.D. Degree, Cambridge (1947).
Dickinson, S., Proc. Roy. Soc, B, 103, 225 (1928).
Scholander, P. F., Hvalrad. Skr., No. 22 (1940).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
PARRY, D. Aspects of the Locomotion of Whales. Nature 161, 200 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1038/161200a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/161200a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.