walking

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…

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…

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…

…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.

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…

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…