An analogy between the car and the human body

 

(The Oxford Children’s Book of Science, Pg 143, Charles Taylor and Stephan Pople, 1995, OUP, NY)

 

 

 

CAR

HUMAN

Engine(s)

Gasoline/Diesel Engine

Muscles

Fuel

Gasoline/Diesel Fuel

Any food, which is then converted to Glucose

Gas Required for Engine to work

Oxygen

Oxygen

Waste Materials Produced

Carbon Dioxide, Water (CO, unburnt oxides of N, unless catalytic converter is installed)

Carbon Dioxide, Water, Biodegradable organic waste

Load Carrying Ability

2200 lb

44 lb

Energy needed to travel 0.6 miles on level ground

2500 kJ

100 kJ

Max speed

100 mph

15 mph

Ability to cross ground

Smooth surface normally required, but some can cross rough ground up to 45 degrees steep

Can cross extremely rough and mountainous ground, climb trees and cliffs, and also cross water

Servicing and Maintenance

Major service once a year, some parts may need regular replacement (tires)

Largely self-repairing, occasional health checks, and sometimes medical treatment.

Life Span

10 yr

75 yrs