LATERIGRADE Meaning and
Definition
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Laterigrade is an adjective used to describe the mode of movement or positioning of an animal or organism that moves or lies sideways. Derived from the Latin word "later" meaning "side" and "gradus" meaning "step," laterigrade refers to the characteristic lateral or sideways motion exhibited by certain animals.
In the context of locomotion, laterigrade animals move by sliding or creeping sideways rather than walking or running forward. This distinctive movement pattern allows them to effectively navigate through narrow spaces, such as narrow tree branches, crevices, or narrow openings in the ground. Crabs, for instance, are regarded as laterigrade animals due to their unique scuttling motion that involves moving sideways.
Along with locomotion, laterigrade can also refer to an organism's general positioning or orientation. For instance, certain fish species are considered laterigrade as they position themselves with their bodies tilted to one side, enabling them to blend more effectively into their surroundings and avoid detection by predators.
The term laterigrade is mainly utilized in the realm of biology and zoology to describe animals that exhibit this distinctive sideways movement or positioning. By understanding the laterigrade adaptation of various species, scientists can gain insight into the evolutionary development and behavioral strategies employed by these organisms to survive and thrive in their respective environments.
Common Misspellings for LATERIGRADE
- katerigrade
- paterigrade
- oaterigrade
- lzterigrade
- lsterigrade
- lwterigrade
- lqterigrade
- larerigrade
- laferigrade
- lagerigrade
- layerigrade
- la6erigrade
- la5erigrade
- latwrigrade
- latsrigrade
- latdrigrade
- latrrigrade
- lat4rigrade
- lat3rigrade
- lateeigrade
Etymology of LATERIGRADE
The word "laterigrade" is derived from Latin. It is composed of two parts: "latus", which means "side", and "gradiens", which means "walking" or "going". Therefore, "laterigrade" literally translates to "going or walking on the side". This term is often used in zoology to describe animals that move or crawl sideways or laterally, such as crabs or certain insects.
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