Locomotion Flashcards
Define ‘locomotion’
behavior that most dictates morphology and physiology of an animal
State the function of the locomotor system (3)
”- Support body mass
- Move centre of mass (COM)
- Move limbs”
State the advantages of being a quadraped (2)
”- large base of support
- possible to have separate functions for the forelimb & hindlimb”
State an advantage of being a biped
thoracic limb is free for other functions (e.g flight)
State the relationship b/n body mass & muscle force
Body mass ↑ = muscle force ↓
Types of locomotor
Unguligrade, Digitigrade, Plantigrade
Muscles will vary depending on ____ (5)
“-size and morphology
- internal architecture - depending on where they pull
- muscle attachment
- fibre type
- muscle firing patterns”
What are the functions of tendons (3)
“-springs
- catapults (increases speed)
- control”
Unguligrade
standing on its tiptoe
Digitigrade
all digits are in contact with floor
Plantigrade
entire distal limb is in contact with floor