91ɫÇéƬ

This week’s new questions

Why do carnivorous quadrupeds sit on their haunches, but herbivorous ones don’t? Is the order of mathematical operations, given the acronym BODMAS, universal or does it break down in the quantum world?
3D3CG09 Cheetah Sitting on Rock
Cassandra Wyles/Alamy

Why do carnivorous quadrupeds like cheetahs or dogs sit on their haunches, but herbivorous ones like sheep don’t?

Shelley Hinsley
Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, UK

FFRPWF MATHEMATICS CLASS, 1916. /nYoung students at the blackboard in mathematics class at a vocational school in Fall River, Massachusetts. Photographed by Lewis Hine, June 1916.
GRANGER – Historical Picture Archive/Alamy

Is the order of mathematical operations, given the acronym BODMAS, universal or does it break down in the quantum world?

Carl Parker
London, UK

Last Word is New Scientist’s long-running series in which readers give scientific answers to each other’s questions, ranging from the minutiae of everyday life to absurd astronomical hypotheticals. To answer a question or ask a new one, email lastword@newscientist.com

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

91ɫÇéƬ retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.

Terms and conditions apply.

Topics: Last Word