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( Terrestrial locomotion)
Terrestrial locomotion has evolved many times as animals moved onto the land from the water. Locomotion on land raises different problems than that on water, with reduced friction being replaced by the effects of gravity. There are three basic forms of locomotion found among terrestrial animals Movement on appendages is the most common form of terrestrial locomotion, it is the basic form of locomotion of two major groups with many terrestrial members, the vertebrates and the arthropods. Important aspects of legged locomotion are stance (the way the body is supported by the legs), the number of legs, and the functional structure of the leg and foot. There are also many gaits, ways of moving the legs in order to locomote, such as walking, running, or hopping. Appendages can be used for movement in a number of ways. The stance, the way the body is supported by the legs, is an important aspect. Charig 1972 identified three main ways in which vertebrates support themselves with their legs - the sprawling stance, the semi-erect stance, and the fully erect stance. Some animals may use different stances in different circumstances, depending on the stance's mechanical and energetic advantages.
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