Statistical evidence of predation by theropods -- using physics to understand the lives of dinosaurs

Dinosaurs hold a great fascination for everyone and provide an interesting venue for teaching many elementary concepts of kinematics. Dinosaur trackways provide interesting information about the locomotion of these extinct animals. A statistical analysis of the known trackways made by theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs) shows that they usually moved by walking with an average speed of 2.4 $\pm $ 1.5 m/s. Fast running, determined by a relative stride length of 3 or greater, is observed in about 4{\%} of the trackways, corresponding to running speeds of 6 m/s or higher. These trackways are believed to have been formed during predation.