[Larry]

Larry asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why do streamlined bodies move faster in fluids?

What do you think?

[JnA]

less drag

[syhprum]

Because they go a greater distance in a given time.

[SteveFish]

They don't, they just require less energy to propel them.

[yor_on]

It's about the friction created between two surfaces I think. The smoother they glide against each other the easier it becomes to move. As all movement meet the resistance at the 'front end' it's about the shape, and also about what kind of surfaces you use. I think sharks constantly loses skin? If I remember right, minimizing the resistance against the water. And I think I read about submarines using bubbles not only to create layers that hide sound but also to minimize the resistance? something about creating small vortexes in the water??