Gait of Animals

Gait is the walking pattern of a living being. It is a series of limb movements that occur during locomotion, which requires muscle balance and coordination to push the body forward. 

• Crawling, walking, swimming, flying, jumping, and so on are some of the different gaits of animals.
• It helps them move from one place to another. 
• Muscles are used by a variety of species to move about, utilizing their arms, legs, wings, fins, and muscular feet. 
• Animal locomotion is because of the limbs being used in a certain way. 

Different animals have adapted to different modes of movement, which enables them to lead an active lifestyle, obtain food, search for mates, and even for respiration. 

Key Terms: Gait of Animals, Animals, Gait, Earthworm, Snail, Fish, Snakes, Cockroaches, Birds, Muscles, Symmetrical Gait, Asymmetrical Gait

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Gait of Animals Definition

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The gait of animals refers to the various patterns of movement that animals exhibit because of variances in their skeletal structure. The pattern of movement of the limbs of animals and humans during locomotion is referred to as their gait. 

• Distinct animals have different gaits because of variances in anatomy. 
• Animals' gaits are determined by their pace, the habitat in which they live, and a variety of other factors.
• It also depends on the speed, terrain or natural efficiency.
• These animals are classified according to footfall patterns, but recent studies have shown their definitions based on mechanics.

Types of Gaits in Animals

Based on limb movement, gaits are classified as "symmetrical" or "asymmetrical."

Symmetrical Gait

In symmetrical gait, the left and right limbs of a pair move alternately. It occurs when the fore and hind pairs of feet are similarly spaced in time. It includes movements like pace, walk, or trot.

Asymmetrical Gait

In asymmetrical gait, the limbs move together at slight intervals. They are frequently referred to as "leaping gaits."

Gaits in Different Animals are tabulated below:

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Earthworm

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Everyone must have witnessed an earthworm in action and its movements. An earthworm's body has no bones but many rings that are connected end to end. It has muscles that help the body lengthen and shorten.

The movement of earthworm are as follows:

• Earthworm moves its body by muscle contractions and expansions.
• It extends the front part of its body first, leaving the back part of the body attached to the ground.
• The front end is then fixed, and the back end is released.
• The back end is then dragged forward and the body is shortened which helps it to advance a short distance.
• To aid mobility, the body secretes a slimy material.
• It has a high number of small bristles (hair-like structures) protruding from its body.
• The bristles are held together by muscles that help to gain a firm grip on the ground.

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Snail

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Snails are microscopic mollusks with a tough exoskeleton. Snails have an exterior structure called a shell that protects them. Snails can be found in damp areas. Except for the foot, the entire body is contained within the shell. Snail's foot even retracts within the shell when disturbed.

The movement of snail are as follows:

• Snail is propelled by a single muscular foot.
• Mucus lubricates the under the surface of the muscular foot.
• The muscular foot glides across the floor.
• The pulling action in the body is caused by the regular contractions and relaxations of this muscular foot.
• The mucus released also minimizes the danger of being injured by sharp items.
• Its movement is called slithering.

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Fish

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Fish are vertebrates with vertebral columns in their bodies. The endoskeleton that supports a fish's body comprises bones.

The movement of fish are as follows:

• Fish have a streamlined physique that makes it easier for them to swim in the water.
• To make them swim in the appropriate direction, the tail flaps from side to side.
• Some fish move by quickly bending their bodies from one side to the other.
• This generates a thrust that propels it forward.
• A fish's movement in water is also aided by an air bladder filled with air.
• It aids the fish is rising to the surface or diving deep into the water.

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Snakes

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Snakes are vertebrate animals with a spine. A skeleton made up of vertebrae that run continuously from head to tail supports the body. Snakes do not have an appendicular skeleton because they do not have any limbs.

The movement of snakes are as follows:

• Snakes move in a zigzag pattern that resembles a loop and cannot walk in a straight line.
• They have a hard time moving on smooth surfaces.
• They have a lengthy backbone and several connective muscles that aid in slithering.
• The backbone, ribs, and skin are all connected by muscles.
• Snakes may move across grass, sand, or water.
• Despite the lack of limbs and legs, snakes can climb trees.

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Cockroaches

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Cockroaches have six jointed legs and belong to the category of arthropods. The insect has six legs for walking and two pairs of wings for flying. The endoskeleton of a cockroach comprises no bones.

• The chitin exoskeleton is the hard and stiff outer covering of the body.

The movement of cockroaches are as follows:

• A cockroach is capable of walking, flying, and climbing.
• The exoskeleton is a jointed framework that aids in body movement.
• The muscles surrounding the limbs help a cockroach move its legs.
• It flaps its wings and flies, using the muscles in its breasts.

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Birds

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Birds prefer to stay in the trees. It can move in two different ways. They can fly in the air, as well as they can walk.

The movement of birds are as follows:

• A bird's body is designed for flight.
• Its forelimbs have been transformed into wings.
• Birds' bones are light and hollow.
• The breast bones are linked to powerful muscles that assist them in flapping their wings during flight.
• The direction of flight is controlled by the tail.
• Birds' shoulder bones are extremely robust.
• With the help of their hind limbs, birds can walk and sit on trees.

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Things to Remember

• The gait of animals refers to the movement of the limbs of animals during locomotion.
• They are divided into two types based on limb movement: symmetrical and asymmetrical.
• Many species move around by using their arms, legs, wings, fins, and muscular feet, which are by muscles.
• The muscles of animals are linked to either the internal or external skeleton.
• These animals have the ability to crawl, fly, walk and swim. 

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