Definition

Describing animals that walk with their entire foot flat on the ground, including the heel and toes, like humans and some mammals.

Example

Bears are plantigrade animals, meaning they walk with their whole foot touching the ground.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some animals are plantigrade?

Yeah, like bears and raccoons! It's interesting to see how they walk.

Right? It’s fascinating how their movement is different from ours, even though we both walk on two legs.

Exactly! It makes you appreciate the diversity in how creatures adapt to their environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

An animal that walks on the soles of its feet, like humans and bears, rather than on its toes or hooves.

Example

Bears are examples of plantigrade animals that walk on the soles of their feet.

Conversation

Did you know that a bear is a type of plantigrade animal?

Really? I always thought they walked on their toes!

Nope, they actually walk flat-footed like we do.

Root Explanation

Plantigrade → It is formed from "planta" (from Latin, meaning sole or flat surface) and "gradus" (from Latin, meaning step or degree). The word "plantigrade" refers to animals that walk on the soles of their feet, taking steps on a flat surface.

Memory Tip

Think of 'planta' as the 'sole' of your foot and 'gradus' as 'steps' — this helps you remember that plantigrade animals walk on their soles.

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