Sled dogs are the best endurance athletes in the world thanks to a weird quirk in their metabolism.

If you liked this week’s video, we think you might also like: Skunk Bear on the Human Vs. Horse Marathon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS2YVN0OAdc

LEARN MORE

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To learn more about this topic, start your googling with these keywords:

• Glycolysis: The process by which glycogen is broken down into energy.
• Anaerobic metabolism: The creation of energy through the combustion of carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen.
• Aerobic metabolism: The creation of energy through the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• ATP: The principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells.
• Baseline Vital Signs: A subject’s temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, pain, and pulse oximetry.

CREDITS

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Script Writer: David Goldenberg Script Editor: Emily Elert Video Illustrator: Ever Salazar Video Director: Kate Yoshida Video Narrator: Kate Yoshida With Contributions From: Henry Reich, Alex Reich, Peter Reich Music by: Nathaniel Schroeder

MinuteEarth is produced by Neptune Studios LLC https://neptunestudios.info

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REFERENCES

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McDougall, C. (2011). Born To Run.

McKenzie, M., Holbrook, T., Williamson, T., Royer, C., Valberg, S. ,Hinchcliff, K., Jose-Cunilleras, J., Nelson, S., Willard, M., and Davis, M. (2005). Recovery of Muscle Glycogen Concentrations in Sled Dogs during Prolonged Exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 37(8). 1307-1312. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16118576

Poole, D. and Erickson, H. (2011). Highly Athletic Terrestrial Mammals: Horses and Dogs. Comprehensive Physiology. 6:57. 1-37. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23737162

Gerth, N., Redman, P., Speakman, J., Jackson, S., and Stark, J.M. (2010). Energy metabolism of Inuit sled dogs. Journal of Comparative Physiology. 180: 577-589. Retrieved from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20012661

Miller, B., Drake, J., Peelor, F.,, Biela, L., Geor, R., Hinchcliff, K., Davis, M., Hamilton, K. (2015). Participation in a 1000-mile race increases the oxidation of carbohydrate in Alaskan sled dogs. Journal of Applied Physiology. 118(12):1502-1509. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25150223

McKenzie, Ericka. (2017). Professor of large animal internal medicine at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Personal Communication.