Why do little children run everywhere instead of walking? Is it a legacy of sabre-toothed predators? (part 3)
Mark Goldstein
Green Bay, Wisconsin, US
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The previous responses to this question mentioned joy, children鈥檚 energy, evolution and having to keep up with adults. But I think there is another reason, especially for younger children.
Where I live, we get icy roads, sidewalks and trails for months during winter. I enjoy walking outside, but if I walk with my usual heel-to-toe stride, I risk slipping and falling backwards. To counter that, I walk more on my toes, in a sort of 鈥渢ippy-toes鈥� walk or slow jog. I think that younger children may run for the same reason: it is better to fall forwards than backwards. After that, the aforementioned energy and joie de vivre take over.
Peter Jacobsen
Port Townsend, Washington, US
Youngsters of many species are especially active. Young humans love to run around and jump. Lambs and colts kick their heels. Young birds flap their wings while stationary. The common thread is that the young need to develop their muscles to escape predatory animals.
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