Question

(Q002) Although bipedalism is unusual, humans are not the only living bipeds. For example, some flightless birds are also bipedal. Identify a living non primate animal that is also a biped. Then, compare its bipedalism with our bipedalism. Try to consider how it moves and some of its possible adaptations (such as limb length). Use resources in your classroom, credible online sources, or books to help you if necessary.

Answer 1

Answer:

One good example of a living non-primate that is also a biped is a Kangaroo.  With so much power in their legs and vertebral column like humans, kangaroos are biped, but they leap rather than walk.  Their legs are usually bigger than their arms, which enables them to push their whole body off the ground.

However, kangaroos are not just bipedal or quadrupedal but they are both.  They also hop bipedally like rodents and many birds, with some displaying skipping gaiety.  In addition, chimpanzees, gorillas, gibbons, macaques, capuchins, birds, many lizards, and (at their highest speeds) cockroaches run bipedally.

Explanation:

Bipedalism is the use of two feet for standing and walking.  Nearly all primates are capable of bipedalism, although most of the primates spend their time on all fours.  Primates are known to move bipedally, but they also use bipedalism to stand up on their hind legs to reach food, look for predators, and for social display and communication.