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Im looking to make my world half Earth gravity but I would also like the natives to be strong than an average human (Acording to google)
Would it be possible to have a species stronger than a human in lower gravity?
FYI - Would prefer to be twice as strong but Im not going to nitpick every detail
If it isnt possible you can also make that an answer
Mr.Burns
Posted 2016-06-21T13:32:00.237
Reputation: 1 492
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It is definitely possible. Gorillas are estimated to be 6 to 15 times as strong as humans. If gravity has a direct and 1:1 ratio on evolutionary trends towards strength (big assumption here) that means the 0.5g gorilla would have 3 - 7.5 times the strength of the 1.0g human. They would still be slightly bigger.
So definitely possible. However I have the feeling that strength would be less of a trending factor in evolution on a low G planet.
Alternatively, lower G might mean fewer calories are consumed per exertion so greater levels of strength can be more successful.
We need a larger sample size to say for sure. But it is definitely possible.
Edit Well that is all a matter of theory/opinion at this point. But why is strength a positive adaptation? It lets you perform better at the tasks that Jason mentions. However with 2 creatures of equal mass, and all other conditions being equal, less strength is required in a 0.5 g planet to perform the same feats of strength (in most cases). To out perform a creature to the same degree as on a 1.0 g planet requires less muscle mass and strength when you are on the 0.5 g planet. This changes the effect of strength variation on overall survival.
PCSgtL
Posted 2016-06-21T13:32:00.237
Reputation: 5 137
Ok, good to know I can make something stronger even in low gravity, could you expand on the "strength would be less of a trending factor in evolution on a low G planet"? not sure what you mean by it – Mr.Burns – 2016-06-21T14:38:02.377
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Just because gravity is 0.5 gee doesn't change mass. So long as your natives have a need to move high mass things around they will develop strong muscles. A need to sprint, climb quickly, fight other large/own species, etc all select for powerful muscles. Is this species human as well (or very humanoid)? Having to do hard manual labor all day can certainly make even a low gee human stronger than the average earth human without needing to resort to genetic tweaks.
Jason K
Posted 2016-06-21T13:32:00.237
Reputation: 12 175
They are humanoid. That "low gee" made me smile – Mr.Burns – 2016-06-21T14:44:07.227
Just remember that big muscles are expensive - why would there be an evolutionary advantage to putting the calories into high strength? Many possibilities are available. – pluckedkiwi – 2016-06-21T13:47:12.853
@pluckedkiwi , I suppose its a good job im not asking why, but if it is possible – Mr.Burns – 2016-06-21T14:41:33.410