gaitplantigrade

Plantigrade locomotion refers to a method of walking where the animal or human walks on the soles of their feet, with their heel making contact with the ground. This is in contrast to digitigrade animals, which walk on their toes, and unguligrade animals, which walk on their toenails or hooves. Humans are a prime example of plantigrade bipeds, exhibiting this gait pattern. Other plantigrade mammals include bears, badgers, and hedgehogs. This type of gait provides a stable base and allows for greater maneuverability and balance, particularly when standing or moving slowly. The structure of the foot, with its relatively flat sole and the presence of a heel bone, is adapted for this type of locomotion. While often associated with bipedalism, plantigrade locomotion can also be observed in quadrupedal animals.