Which locomotion method involves the body weight of an individual resting on their knuckles?

Knuckle walking is a form of locomotion that is characterized by the individual using their knuckles as the primary point of contact with the ground while keeping their body weight distributed on their forelimbs. This method is typically seen in certain primate species, such as gorillas and chimpanzees.

During knuckle walking, the wrists are flexed, allowing the hands to form a stable base on the ground while the legs remain upright. This adaptation helps in moving efficiently across terrestrial environments while providing both stability and balance. The structure of the hands and limbs in these primates has evolved to accommodate this form of locomotion, allowing them to travel effectively while also maintaining the ability to climb and utilize their limbs for other activities.

Understanding knuckle walking is important as it showcases one of the adaptations that have evolved in non-human primates, providing insights into the evolutionary trajectory of locomotion in relation to the environment and lifestyle of these species.