Giraffes Can Swim: Math Proves Possibility

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical proof suggesting that giraffes can swim, as presented in a study by Donald Henderson and Darren Naish. Participants explore the implications of this claim, along with related topics such as the flight of bumblebees and the humorous notion of giraffes engaging in water sports.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that while math can theoretically prove that giraffes can swim, practical limitations exist, as highlighted by one participant's humorous analogy regarding personal capabilities.
  • There is a recurring question about whether math has proven that bumblebees can fly, with references to external sources suggesting that it has.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the seriousness of the bumblebee flight claim, suggesting it may have originated as a joke.
  • Another participant speculates about the possibility of designing water-wings for giraffes, indicating a playful engagement with the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of humor and skepticism, with no clear consensus on the seriousness of the claims regarding swimming giraffes or the flight of bumblebees. Multiple competing views remain on the interpretations of these mathematical proofs.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to external studies and claims that may not have been fully explored or validated within the thread. Some assumptions about the applicability of math to biological phenomena are left unexamined.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of mathematics and biology, as well as those who enjoy light-hearted discussions about animal capabilities and theoretical proofs.

fourier jr
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Is there anything math can't do? :-p

Math has proven what no one has actually seen — namely that giraffes can swim, according to a new report in the Journal of Theoretical Biology.

Donald Henderson, the curator of dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrell Museum north of Calgary, and Darren Naish, of the University of Portsmouth in England, published a study in which they showed a swimming giraffe to be possible, at least in theory.

The world's tallest mammal will not be very good in the water, however, the two scientists said in the latest edition of the esoteric academic journal.
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/01/giraffe-swimming-math-science.html
 
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Math could also prove that I can do a back flip, yet if I tried I would most likely hurt myself. I'm sure pretty much anything can swim if it learns how.
 
has math yet proven that bumblebees can fly ?
 
I didn't think people really took that bee thing seriously. Wasn't it just a joke to begin with?
 
i just assumed they were using something besides math to stay aloft
 
Someone should design some water-wings for giraffes. I am serious. I would love to see that.