TED-Ed: Human sperm vs. the sperm whale - Aatish Bhatia

The video explores how size affects the movement of microscopic organisms like bacteria and sperm. It introduces the concept of the Reynolds number, which predicts fluid behavior based on size, speed, and fluid properties. Large creatures like sperm whales experience high Reynolds numbers, allowing them to coast through water, while small organisms face significant resistance. Microbes have developed unique adaptations to navigate their environment, such as deforming paddles, using corkscrew motion, and employing chemical strategies. These adaptations are crucial for survival and reproduction.

What challenges do small organisms face when swimming in water, and how do they overcome them?

Explain how H. pylori uses chemical engineering to move through its environment.