quadrupedal

/kwɔ'dru:pidl/

Thân thiện

The dog is a quadrupedal animal.

Definition

Adjective: - Having four feet: Describes an animal that moves using four limbs or legs. This is the primary biological and zoological classification for many mammals, reptiles, and other creatures.

Usage and Examples

• Basic Usage: The adjective "quadrupedal" is used to describe the physical form and locomotion of animals.
  • Cats, dogs, and horses are all quadrupedal animals.
  • The fossil record shows that the early ancestor was quadrupedal.
  • Unlike humans, most mammals are quadrupedal.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Comparative Form: Can be used in comparisons, often with "more" or "less."
  • The bear's gait is more quadrupedal when it is running than when it is standing.
• In Scientific Contexts: Used precisely in biology, paleontology, and zoology to discuss anatomy and evolutionary traits.
  • The study compared quadrupedal locomotion to bipedal locomotion in primates.

Variants and Related Words

• Quadruped (noun): An animal that has four feet.
  • The zoo has a section dedicated to large quadrupeds like elephants and rhinos.
• Bipedal (adjective): Having two feet (the direct antonym in biological context).
  • Humans and birds are bipedal.
• Quadrupedalism (noun): The condition of using four limbs for locomotion.
  • The evolution of quadrupedalism was a key development for many land animals.

Synonyms

• Four-footed: A more common, less technical synonym.
  • The four-footed creature disappeared into the bushes.

Antonyms

• Bipedal: Having two feet.
• Apodal / Legless: Having no feet or legs.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having four feet

Từ đồng nghĩa

• quadruped
• four-footed