Locomotion

1.        Definitions:

a.        Footfall: foot contacting the substrate

b.        Gait: the pattern of footfalls during locomotion

c.        Cycle: one complete use of all limbs in a gait

d.        Duty Factor: measures the percent of the cycle a foot is in contact with substrate

                                                                                             i.         ≥ 50% = walk

                                                                                          ii.         < 50% = run

e.        Suspension Phase: portion of a gait where all feet could be off the substrate

Flight:

a.        Thrust (Forward motion) from primary feathers

b.        Lift comes from secondary feathers

c.        Aspect ratio: wing length/wing width

                                                                                             i.         High aspect – long/pointed –slower flight, gliding, soaring

                                                                                          ii.         Low aspect – short/broad – more rapid takeoff