Moving around

Learning objectives

To list the principal modes of animal locomotion.
To identify commonalities and differences for each mode of locomotion.
To identify the organs involved in movement and to explain in what ways they are adapted to the environment involved.
To identify material and other supports.
To show that humans and animals propel themselves forward (upward) by producing a force that that acts toward the rear (downward).

Moving around is a vital function for an animal. It enables that animal to feed, to flee from predators or to find a partner. Every animal has developed a means of locomotion that is adapted to its environment. Not only are there a great variety of modes of locomotion (swimming, flying, walking…) but there is also great diversity even within the same mode. Thus, the horse, the human and the ant do not use the same method for walking.