Animals have adapted to use different types of locomotion. Even plants use locomotion to reproduce.

Some creatures such as birds, bats, and bugs use flight to get from place to place, escape predators, or find a mate.  Beetles tuck their wings under when stationary, and unfold their wings before flight.  Bats have three bones, similar to human arms, on both sides of their bodies.  It is covered with two layers of skin called a membrane to create lift.

Some animals jump to get around, such as frogs. Frogs’ tibia, fibula, and tarsals are infused to form a solitary, strong bone. Their metatarsals have been lengthened to allow the frog to build up momentum for its jump.  Rabbits jump using their strong hind legs.  They are able to jump up to thirty six inches high and eight feet lengthwise.

Ducks have webbed feet, which allows them to paddle through water and walk on moist earth. The retractable webs create more surface area to push the water.  Fish swim by moving their tail from side to side and their stiff caudal fin pushes the water to move them.

Fish Skeleton

Plants use locomotion to spread their seeds around in a few different ways.  Dandelions use their seed’s small fibers at the top to catch wind and carry them away from the mother plant.  Red Maples use their seed’s “helicopters blades” to carry them to new locations.  A plant called the Burdock uses spines to attach seeds to people and animals who unknowingly deposit the seeds elsewhere.

As you can see, locomotion is vital in the life of all organisms.  Plants and animals are constantly adapting new ways of locomotion. Whether jumping, swimming, walking, crawling, or using the wind, organisms are always moving.