Uploaded October 2012 | Updated September 2026, 23 hours ago
Biologist Sheila Patek explains how shrimp and ants can be the fastest moving animals in the world by describing her work studying the biomechanics of fast animal movements and the concept of power amplification.
Sheila Patek studies the biomechanics of fast animal movements--specifically those of Mantis Shrimp and Trap-Jaw Ants. Why? Because Mantis Shrimp deliver the world's fastest punch, and Trap-Jaw Ants can jump 20 times their own body length. Watch Sheila talk about her research and explain how such feats are possible!
This video is part of the Curiosity Machine.
Visit us at curiositymachine.org to find design challenges based on Sheila Patek's innovative work and build your own models. Share your work with the Curiosity Machine community, and receive individual feedback from a scientist or engineer who will mentor you and your project!
Biologist Sheila Patek explains how shrimp and ants can be the fastest moving animals in the world by describing her work studying the biomechanics of fast animal movements and the concept of power amplification.
Sheila Patek studies the biomechanics of fast animal movements--specifically those of Mantis Shrimp and Trap-Jaw Ants. Why? Because Mantis Shrimp deliver the world's fastest punch, and Trap-Jaw Ants can jump 20 times their own body length. Watch Sheila talk about her research and explain how such feats are possible!
This video is part of the Curiosity Machine.
Visit us at curiositymachine.org to find design challenges based on Sheila Patek's innovative work and build your own models. Share your work with the Curiosity Machine community, and receive individual feedback from a scientist or engineer who will mentor you and your project!
