digitigrade quadrupedalism

Digitigrade locomotion refers to walking on the toes, with the heel raised off the ground. This is a characteristic of many mammals, including carnivores like dogs and cats. In digitigrade animals, the posterior part of the foot is elevated, meaning they bear weight on their digits (toes). This type of locomotion is distinct from plantigrade locomotion, where the entire foot, including the heel, touches the ground, as seen in humans. Cursorial vertebrates, adapted for running, often exhibit digitigrade characteristics, with adaptations like short, muscular upper legs and elongated lower legs to increase speed.1234