Types Of Limbs In Mammals: Differences And Curiosities

The “hands” and “feet” of animals are different depending on the species. Over the millennia, they have been adapting to different habitats and have evolved according to specific survival needs. Therefore, although we belong to the same class, dogs, monkeys and tigers have different legs. In this article we will tell you about the different types of limbs in mammals.

How many types of limbs are there in mammals?

These appendages, colloquially known as “legs” or “legs”, perform different functions: locomotion, manipulation of objects, support, etc … These are the most common types of limbs in mammals :

1. Types of limbs in terrestrial mammals

The great majority of this class live on Earth, but their limbs are not alike. Many land mammals have adapted their legs, front and rear, to chase prey (lion, wolf, tiger…), to jump (hare, kangaroo, rabbit) or to perform both functions, such as the gazelle.

In all these cases, the limbs are long and strong. Being equipped with tendons, they can move in different positions. In addition, they support the weight of the animal and offer a specific thrust that determines the speed, which can increase or decrease, depending on the circumstances.

Furthermore, in terrestrial mammals we can indicate those species whose legs are equipped with hooves, the so-called ungulates. The main differentiation involves two groups of best known mammals:

• Artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates): chamois, goat, mouflon, ibex, wild boar, roe deer, deer, fallow deer, bison, pig, gazelle, sheep, camel, dromedary, giraffe.

• Perissodactyls (odd- clawed ungulates): horse, donkey, zebra, tapir, rhinoceros.

The elephant also belongs to the ungulates, but is included in a third group, dedicated to the  proboscideans . Furthermore, with respect to the way in which the foot is placed on the ground, there is a further division:

• Ungulates : they walk with their fingertips.
• Plantigrades (bears, humans, kangaroos …): they support the entire sole of the foot.
• Digitigrades (wolves, dogs, cats …): only three fingers rest.

2. Types of limbs in marine mammals

Dolphins, whales and manatees are some of the examples of marine mammals, whose primordial limbs have become “fins”. The exception to this rule is the otter, which has special legs for moving in rivers and lakes.

The fins of the cetaceans allow them to swim and move in the water without problems. However, unlike terrestrial species, their ancient arms and legs play a minor role in displacement. In fact, the most important is the caudal fin, which is their “modified tail”.

3. Types of limbs in mammals living underground

The mole is the main example in this case. Their “hands” changed during the evolution of the species to be able to dig the earth, to build their lair or to quickly escape from predators.

Today, in fact, they are equipped with very powerful claws, which also allow them to cling to objects such as tree branches or rocks.

4. Types of limbs in arboreal mammals

Animals that live in the forest and spend many hours in the trees have developed special arts. Chimpanzees, gorillas, lemurs and marmosets are just some of the primates that are able to hang from branches, and face down. They can eat and grab objects or even remove parasites from their offspring, shedding their skin.

The mandrill and the other terrestrial primates have limbs that allow them to walk with their hands on the ground – using their very long arms – and move between the branches with extreme ease.

One of the main characteristics of this family, shared with us humans, is the thumb that can be opposed to the rest of the other fingers. This arrangement allows him to grab objects and use them with some skill.

5. Types of limbs in flying and gliding mammals

Certainly, the most surprising evolution is certainly the one made by those mammals that can fly today. We are talking, for example, of bats and flying lemurs.

This transformation was possible thanks to an extensive modification of the animal. The skin on the abdomen and back has grown, extending to join arms and fingers, creating a perfect framework for gliding and flying.  Today, these mammals can spread their wings and move through the air even if they are not birds.