'Gray's Paradox' solved: Researchers discover secret of speedy dolphins

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In 1936, zoologist Sir James Gray observed dolphins swimming faster than 20 mph, but his studies had concluded that the muscles of dolphins simply weren't strong enough to support that speed. The conundrum came to be known as "Gray's Paradox."

For decades the puzzle prompted much speculation and conjecture in the scientific community. But now, armed with cutting-edge flow measurement technology, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have tackled the problem and conclusively solved Gray's Paradox.

In 1936, zoologist Sir James Gray observed dolphins swimming faster than 20 mph, but his studies had concluded that the muscles of dolphins simply weren't strong enough to support that speed. The conundrum came to be known as "Gray's Paradox."

For decades the puzzle prompted much speculation and conjecture in the scientific community. But now, armed with cutting-edge flow measurement technology, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have tackled the problem and conclusively solved Gray's Paradox.

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http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/rpi-ps112408.php

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/rpi-ps112408.php