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Angelsharma
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Homework Statement
Why are mammals as large as they are and not much larger?
Homework Equations
Two figures are given. One of the mammal with size S and mass M. Femur is the thigh bone of the mammal with l being the length of the femur, d being the thickness of the femur and A being the cross sectional area:
i)l ∞ s - length of the femur is proportional to the size
ii) m∞s3∞l3
iii) pressure ∞ weight/Area ∞ m/d2
iv) m ∞d2
v) d2∞l3
Therefore, d ∞ l 3/2
The Attempt at a Solution
These have been worked out, but I am confused at how length is proportional to the size. Is volume the size? In fact, I don't understand the whole thing. Please help. I have looked at the MIT video three times and still confused. Sorry for being so dumb but I don't hesitate to ask.