CAUGHT ON FILM: THE TREADMILL RUNNING SHRIMP
A super-fit shrimp has become a massive internet hit after learning to run on a treadmill as part of a unique science experiment.
Scientists discovered the shrimp's need for speed after it was placed on a home-made exercise machine in a tank of water to see how far it would travel for food.
Scientists were amazed with the results which showed the crustacean could jog at speeds of 66ft per minute and go on for three hours before needing a rest.
The bizarre experiment was filmed and later released onto the internet.
It has now caused huge waves around the world with more than one million logging on to YouTube to watch the jogging shellfish.
Some fans have even put music to it such as the Benny Hill theme tune or Chariots of Fire.
Professor David Scholnick, of the Pacific University in Oregon, was one of the scientists who carried out the experiment.
He said the project involved putting a sick shrimp on the treadmill first because they wanted to probe how diseases impact their performance.
'As far as I know this is the first time that shrimp have been exercised on a treadmill and it was amazing to see how well they performed.'
'I guess people find the prospect of watching a shrimp exercise on a treadmill amazing.'
And justifying the unusual research, the professor added: 'These studies will give us a better idea of how marine animals can perform in their native habitat when faced with increasing pathogens and immunological challenges.'
(From an article in the Daily Mail)
See it yourself at:
jollyweez
Yes! That is cruel! lol. Poor shrimp not being allowed to do what is natural. I can't order lobster at the restaurants either. I know what is going to happen to them and I just can't do it!! I suppose I should have become a Buddhist!