Lecture 13: Locomotion II

Bipedal hopping

Locomotion using only hindlimbs.

Cannon bone

Fused metacarpals or metatarsals.

Cursorial

Adapted for running.

Cursorial-saltatorial locomotion or quadrupedal jumping

Quadrupedal saltation/leaping.

Epipodal

Second long bone(s) of the limb (radius/ulna, tibia/fibula)

Fast-twitch fibers

Muscle fibers specialized for rapid contraction & locomotion.

Fossorial

Adapted for digging & burrowing.

Gliding

Aerial locomotion using patagium to move between surfaces.

Graviportal

Locomotion of very large mammals; slow, heavy-footed, characterized by pillar-like legs positioned directly under the body and short, robust limb segments.

Patagium

Skin membranae stretched between limbs and/or tail used for gliding or flight

Propodial

First long bone of the limb attached to the body (humerus, femur)

Saltatorial

Adapted for jumping; may be quadrupedal or bipedal.

Scansorial

Adapted for climbing.

Spinal flexion.

Bending of vertebral column.