from the tip of a branch to the branch of another tree four metres (13
feet) away. While jumping, it extends its fore and hind limbs and
glides. Meanwhile, its flattened tail both maintains its balance and
serves as a rudder to steer it. It can even experience free-fall from a
branch nine metres (30 feet) above the ground and land smoothly on
the ground on four feet.
Now, let's consider once again what these loveable squirrels can
accomplish. You already know that squirrels can perform gymnastic
moves in the air quite easily, such as jumping from one tree to
another without falling and, furthermore, target very tiny branches
from a distance and skilfully hold on to them like a trapeze artist.
But how? Well, squirrels can achieve all these feats by using their
hind limbs, their keen eyes, which make good adjustments for
distances, their strong paws, and their tails, which enable them to
maintain balance. But, have you ever thought who has given squirrels
these features and taught them how to use them? Since it is impossible
for a squirrel family to take a ruler and measure the heights of trees
and lengths of branches, how do they measure distances as they jump
from one tree to another? Furthermore, how do they jump and bounce
so fast without getting hurt or crippled?
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