walking

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walking

form of locomotion

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July 23, 2026

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Locomotion is the act or power of moving from place to place. Walking is a major type of locomotion involving movement on two feet, known as bipedalism. While not unique to humans, our form of bipedalism is distinct, characterized by striding rather than hopping or waddling. Many primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas, exhibit some degree of bipedal ability, but humans are uniquely adapted for habitual, striding bipedalism. This specialized gait involves a smooth, undulating flow of progression, reducing energy output. The evolution of human bipedalism is a complex process that likely occurred over millions of years, involving significant anatomical changes in the pelvis, legs, and feet to support and propel the body efficiently.123

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locomotion
Walking and running
Only arthropods (e.g., insects, spiders, and crustaceans) and vertebrates have developed a means of rapid surface locomotion. In both groups, the body is raised above the ground and moved forward by means of a series of jointed appendages, the legs. Because the…
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Only arthropods (e.g., insects, spiders, and crustaceans) and vertebrates have developed a means of rapid surface locomotion. In both groups, the body is raised above the ground and moved forward by means of a series of jointed appendages, the legs. Because the…
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anseriform
Locomotion
Walking on land is well-developed in the longer-legged geese and in gooselike species. The “goose-step,” with exaggeratedly lifted feet, is exemplified by the spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis). Others walk more straightforwardly and can outrun a pursuing human. In the ducks, whose short legs are situated…
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Walking on land is well-developed in the longer-legged geese and in gooselike species. The “goose-step,” with exaggeratedly lifted feet, is exemplified by the spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis). Others walk more straightforwardly and can outrun a pursuing human. In the ducks, whose short legs are situated…
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falconiform
Walking and hopping
On the ground falconiforms progress by walking or hopping; in especially large vultures, hopping is elaborated into bounding threat displays. On a branch they move sideways by sidling or by walking “hand over hand” (e.g., vulturine fish eagle, harrier hawk). On the…
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On the ground falconiforms progress by walking or hopping; in especially large vultures, hopping is elaborated into bounding threat displays. On a branch they move sideways by sidling or by walking “hand over hand” (e.g., vulturine fish eagle, harrier hawk). On the…
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infancy
…average baby is able to walk with help by 12 months and can walk unaided by 14 months, at which time he is often referred to as a toddler.
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…average baby is able to walk with help by 12 months and can walk unaided by 14 months, at which time he is often referred to as a toddler.
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ostariophysan
Walking and flying
A few ostariophysans have the capability to emerge from their aquatic abode and move over land, climb walls, or even glide or fly through the air. The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus), an exotic species in southern Florida, uses its pectoral fin spines…
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A few ostariophysans have the capability to emerge from their aquatic abode and move over land, climb walls, or even glide or fly through the air. The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus), an exotic species in southern Florida, uses its pectoral fin spines…
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reptile
Walking and crawling
In the typical reptilian posture, limbs project nearly perpendicular from the body and bend downward toward the ground at the elbows and knees. This limb posture produces a sprawled gait that some biologists label as inefficient and awkward. Its continued persistence in…
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In the typical reptilian posture, limbs project nearly perpendicular from the body and bend downward toward the ground at the elbows and knees. This limb posture produces a sprawled gait that some biologists label as inefficient and awkward. Its continued persistence in…
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