Week 5 Flashcards
Biped
an animal that habitually walks on two limbs
Quadruped
an animal that habitually walks on four limbs
Brachiator
an animal that habitually swings under branches in arm-over-arm locomotion
Typical Quadruped Shape of the vertebral column
single curve from neck to pelvis; similar to cantilever bridge
typical biped shape of the vertebral column
S-Shaped curve
typical Brachiator
single gentle curve from neck to pelvis
Typical quadruped shape of vertebral bodies
cylindrical, relatively regular in shape from neck to pelvis
typical biped shape of vertebral bodies
more wedge-shaped differences in shape between neck and pelvis greater than in quadrupeds
typical brachiator shape of vertebral bodies
intermediate
Quadruped: size of spinous processes
large, particularly those at the origin of nuchal (neck) muscles
Biped: size of spinous processes
small, as the large area for the origin of “nuchal” muscles is not needed; cranium is more balanced over the vertebral column
Brachiator: size of spinous processes
fairly small
Quadruped: Center of gravity of animal body
over the forelimbs: the forelimbs catch the body in locomotion and aid in propulsion
Biped: Center of gravity of animal body
closer to the hindlimbs: propulsion thoruhg the hindlimbs
Brachiator: Center of gravity of animal body
intermediate
