knucklehop

Knucklehop is a form of locomotion used by some animals, most notably primates, that involves supporting the body weight on the knuckles of the hands while moving forward. This gait is characterized by the forelimbs being significantly longer than the hindlimbs, providing a stable base for movement. Gorillas and chimpanzees are well-known practitioners of knucklehop, using it for terrestrial travel. Orangutans also utilize a similar method, sometimes referred to as fist-walking, where they support their weight on their clenched fists or knuckles.

The advantage of knucklehop lies in its ability to distribute the animal's weight across a larger surface area of the hands, reducing pressure on the wrists and palms. This is particularly important for larger primates that spend a considerable amount of time on the ground. The structure of their forelimbs, including the length of the fingers and the robustness of the wrist joints, is adapted to this type of locomotion. While knucklehop is primarily used for moving across the ground, some primates may also use it for climbing or descending trees. The specific technique can vary slightly between species, with differences in the degree of knuckle flexion and the placement of the hands.