Tetrapodal Locomotion
Wherein we discuss what moves us -- literally. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thebrainscoop The Brain Scoop is written and hosted by: Emily Graslie Created by: Hank Green Written,...
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Today we're gonna talk about tetrapodal locomotion. Tetrapods, which include all amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, generally use three different types of locomotion. First, we have plantigrade animals. This group, which includes humans, walks with the podials and the tarsals flat on the ground all at once. In other words, all of the bones of a plantigrade animal's foot touch the ground at one time when it walks. The advantage of this is superior stability and weight bearing ability. This was the manner in which most early mammals got around. The other two types of locomotion we'll be talking about today evolved from plantigrade. Some of my favorite plantigrade animals include wolverines, skunks and bears. My least favorite plantigrade animals a...
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Today we're gonna talk about tetrapodal locomotion. Tetrapods, which include all amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, generally use three different types of locomotion. First, we have plantigrade animals. This group, which includes humans, walks with the podials and the tarsals flat on the ground all at once. In other words, all of the bones of a plantigrade animal's foot touch the ground at one time when it walks. The advantage of this is superior stability and weight bearing ability. This was the manner in which most early mammals got around. The other two types of locomotion we'll be talking about today evolved from plantigrade. Some of my favorite plantigrade animals include wolverines, skunks and bears. My least favorite plantigrade animals a...
