VBSC 421: Locomotion & Cranial Kinesis
For a vertebrate to swim fast and efficiently it must overcome the resistance to motion
that water exerts on an object? (What is the name of this force) - ANS-Drag
The pectoral girdle of all bony fishes is attached to the skull by a connection of the
supracleithrum to the posttemporal bone. Both bones were lost in early tetrapods. What
is the significance of the loss of attachment between the skull and pectoral girdle
tetrapods? - ANS-Head moves independently from pectoral girdle.
In contrast to the pectoral girdle, the pelvic girdle of bony fishes forms no connection to
the vertebral column. How does this compare to tetrapods like the frog and necturus? -
ANS-In tetrapods the pelvic girdle is fused to the vertebral column.
Cursorial vertebrates run on the ground and have anatomical modifications that serve to
enhance speed. List two general types of adaptations that enhance the speed of
cursorial animals. - ANS-1. Increased stride length
2. Increase stride rate
Flexion and extension of the spine of a cheetah is an example of which of these two
types of adaptations? - ANS-Increased stride length.
What type of foot posture does each species use? - ANS-Cat: Digitigrade
Horse: Unguligrade
Human: Plantigrade
List two anatomical adaptations seen in the horse to increase stride rate? - ANS-1.
Muscles are concentrated proximally on the limb to reduce weight in the distal limb.
2. Reduced number of bones in the distal limb which reduces the weight in the distal
limb.)
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