Which feature best describes canine limbs?

Which feature best describes canine limbs?

• A. They are ungulates
• B. They are aquatic
• C. They are quadrupedal with flippers
• D. They are nonhoofed, digitigrade

Answer: (D)

Limb posture and how the feet contact the ground describe how a mammal moves. Canines are digitigrade, meaning they bear weight on their toes (digits) with the heel area elevated, and they use the pads and claws on the ground. They do not have hooves, so they are nonhoofed. They are also terrestrial and quadrupedal, not aquatic, and they don’t have flippers. This combination—nonhoofed and digitigrade—best fits canine limbs.

Limb posture and how the feet contact the ground describe how a mammal moves. Canines are digitigrade, meaning they bear weight on their toes (digits) with the heel area elevated, and they use the pads and claws on the ground. They do not have hooves, so they are nonhoofed. They are also terrestrial and quadrupedal, not aquatic, and they don’t have flippers. This combination—nonhoofed and digitigrade—best fits canine limbs.