Animal movement is powered by the transformation of chemical energy stored within organic molecules, primarily carbohydrates and lipids, into mechanical energy. This process occurs within muscle cells. For instance, when a cheetah chases its prey, the chemical energy stored in its muscles, derived from food, is converted into the kinetic energy of its motion.
This biological energy conversion is fundamental to animal life, enabling a vast array of activities from foraging and predator avoidance to migration and reproduction. Understanding this process has been crucial to advancements in fields like biomechanics and sports science, leading to improved training regimens and injury prevention strategies. Historically, the study of animal locomotion has inspired engineers in the development of robots and other mechanical systems.