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Q118 (CDS-II/2011) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Animal diversity behaviour Answer Verified

The cat can survive fall from a height much more than human or any other animal. It is because the cat

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: A
Explanation

Cats possess a unique biological mechanism known as the 'righting reflex,' which allows them to reorient their bodies mid-air during a fall [t1][t7]. This reflex, facilitated by a highly flexible backbone and the absence of a functional clavicle, enables the cat to twist its spine and align its legs toward the ground [t1][t10]. Upon landing, cats utilize their long, compliant legs and powerful muscles to act as shock absorbers [t3]. By landing on all four paws with joints angled rather than stiff, they increase the distance and time over which the impact force dissipates, effectively diverting energy into the joints and muscles instead of breaking bones [t3][t8]. Additionally, cats spread their bodies to increase drag, reaching a terminal velocity significantly lower than that of humans, which further enhances their survival rate from significant heights [t1][t4].

Sources

  1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_righting_reflex
  2. [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17492802
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