Question

Some animals run, and others dig. Discuss differences expected in the skeletons and joints of animals that are adapted primarily for one over the other.

Answer 1

Answer :)

Digging animals are broadly two types: fossorial animals and burrowing animals. These animals are fusiform that helps them to dig a surface. These animals have short and stout limbs because these do not prefer running. The limbs have long claws to disperse the dug. These animals have either a short tail or lack it. The knee joint possesses a patella superiorly. Muscles moving a joint can move it by a wider angle. The toe and metapodial joints are moving parts in these animals.

Runner animals have a lightweight skeleton, aerodynamic body, and long leg and foot bones. Their skeleton provides less weight to feet during a run while the body easily resists the pressure of air during the run. Long legs make the run fast. These animals have a highly flexible spine, which is important to get not harm during the run while the sharp claws provide them a good grip on the surface. Cheetah like runners has blunt paws to increase traction while pursuing prey. Muscles of the joints are inserted near the joint. These animals possess the antebrachiocarpal joint while the distal radio-ulnar joint is highly limited.