Are Rabbits Digitigrade [exclusive] <ESSENTIAL>

Locomotor Morphology in Leporids: A Confirmation of Digitigrade Posture in Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus )

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The classification of mammalian foot posture (plantigrade, digitigrade, or unguligrade) is critical for understanding locomotor evolution and biomechanics. Domestic rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) are often anecdotally misclassified by students as plantigrade due to their elongated hind feet and hopping gait. This paper examines the osteological and myological features of the rabbit pes (foot), specifically the tarsal-metatarsal joint angle and the weight-bearing surfaces. Evidence from comparative anatomy confirms that rabbits are obligate digitigrade locomotors. In digitigrade posture, the heel (calcaneus) is elevated, and body weight is borne on the metatarsals and phalanges, a configuration that enhances lever action for rapid acceleration and jumping (saltation). Evidence from comparative anatomy confirms that rabbits are