saltation
Quick Summary
Saltation is a form of terrestrial locomotion characterized by hopping or jumping. This method of movement is primarily observed in animals with hind legs that are about twice the length of their front legs, such as kangaroos, rabbits, certain rodents, frogs, and some insects.12
The mechanics of saltation involve the simultaneous retraction or extension of the hind legs, followed by a period of aerial movement. The physics of ballistics governs the height and distance of these jumps, with takeoff velocity and angle being key factors. Optimal jump length is achieved at a 45Ā° takeoff angle.2
Different animals exhibit variations in their saltatory patterns. For instance, frogs use a combination of leg movements and body arching to propel themselves, while kangaroos and rabbits move their legs in a vertical plane, with kangaroos employing a bipedal gait and rabbits a quadrupedal one.2
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amphibianAnuransThese leaping movements require more complex pectoral and pelvic girdles than that of salamanders. The pectoral girdle is designed to absorb the shock of the anuran as it lands on its forelimbs; an elastic, muscular suspension connecting the pectoral girdle to the skull and vertebral columnā¦
Read MoreThese leaping movements require more complex pectoral and pelvic girdles than that of salamanders. The pectoral girdle is designed to absorb the shock of the anuran as it lands on its forelimbs; an elastic, muscular suspension connecting the pectoral girdle to the skull and vertebral columnā¦
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frog and toadSize range and diversity of structureMost frogs move by leaping. The long and powerful hind limbs are straightened rapidly from the crouching position, propelling the frog through the air. Many arboreal frogsāespecially members of the families Hylidae, Rhacophoridae, Centrolenidae, and othersāhave adhesive disks on the ends of the fingers and toes and leap fromā¦
Read MoreMost frogs move by leaping. The long and powerful hind limbs are straightened rapidly from the crouching position, propelling the frog through the air. Many arboreal frogsāespecially members of the families Hylidae, Rhacophoridae, Centrolenidae, and othersāhave adhesive disks on the ends of the fingers and toes and leap fromā¦
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mammalLocomotionSaltatory (leaping) locomotion, sometimes called āricochetal,ā has arisen in several unrelated groups (some marsupials, lagomorphs, and several independent lineages of rodents). This mode of locomotion is typically found in mammals living in open habitats. Jumping mammals typically have elongate, plantigrade hind feet, reduced forelimbs, and longā¦
Read MoreSaltatory (leaping) locomotion, sometimes called āricochetal,ā has arisen in several unrelated groups (some marsupials, lagomorphs, and several independent lineages of rodents). This mode of locomotion is typically found in mammals living in open habitats. Jumping mammals typically have elongate, plantigrade hind feet, reduced forelimbs, and longā¦
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kangarooDescriptions of selected speciesā¦a remarkable advantage to bipedal hopping. Although at low speeds kangaroos expend more energy than do quadrupeds of the same size, the red kangaroo (M. rufus) actually uses less energy at 10.1 km/hr than at 6.5 and less still at higher speeds. This seems to be related to the storageā¦
Read Moreā¦a remarkable advantage to bipedal hopping. Although at low speeds kangaroos expend more energy than do quadrupeds of the same size, the red kangaroo (M. rufus) actually uses less energy at 10.1 km/hr than at 6.5 and less still at higher speeds. This seems to be related to the storageā¦
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primateFour types of locomotionVertical clinging and leaping, for instance, is primarily a function of the hind limbs, as is bipedalism, whereas brachiation is performed exclusively with the forelimbs. Quadrupedalism involves both forelimbs and hind limbs, of course, although not to an equal extent. Some quadrupeds are hind limb-dominated; in others, theā¦
Read MoreVertical clinging and leaping, for instance, is primarily a function of the hind limbs, as is bipedalism, whereas brachiation is performed exclusively with the forelimbs. Quadrupedalism involves both forelimbs and hind limbs, of course, although not to an equal extent. Some quadrupeds are hind limb-dominated; in others, theā¦
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