unguligrade

Unguligrade is a term used in anatomy and paleontology to describe a mode of terrestrial locomotion in which an animal bears most or all of its weight on the tips of the digits, typically on hooves. In unguligrade species the main load is carried by the distal phalanges, and the digits are often reduced or fused, with the foot ending in a hoof. This contrasts with plantigrade locomotion, where the entire sole touches the ground, and digitigrade locomotion, where weight is borne on the toes and phalanges but not on hooves.

Ungulate limbs are typically adapted for cursorial (long-distance) running. The unguligrade posture allows a longer effective limb length and an extended stride, aiding speed on open terrain. Anatomical features commonly associated with unguligrady include elongated distal limb segments, a stiff limb structure, and the development of hooves, which provide support, traction, and weight distribution on varied surfaces. The number of functional digits is often reduced relative to other locomotor patterns.

Modern ungulates comprise both perissodactyls (odd-toed) and artiodactyls (even-toed), and include animals such as horses, zebras, and donkeys; deer and other cervids; cattle, sheep, goats, and antelopes; camels; and giraffes. Unguligrade locomotion is a key adaptive trait linked to fast locomotion and efficient travel across grazing or open habitats, and it is of particular interest in studies of locomotor evolution and functional morphology.