LastLapPodcast

LastLapPodcast t1_jdtcr6q wrote

It's not misinformation. A bats wing and a whales flippers contain all the bones and joints in a hand but you don't say that those animals have hands. The foot to leg joint in elephants does not function the same as the ankle joint does in other four legged animals due to the way the heel structure is prevented from touching the ground. Yes, there is a joint there and yes it contains the same bones you find in feet but it doesn't do what those same bones do for other animals.

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LastLapPodcast t1_jdt2dob wrote

https://www.audubonsculptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Anelephantfoot-1-e1517079923490.jpg

You can see from the skeleton that what you'd consider to be the ankle joint doesn't function like the ankle in other animals. The leg bones sit directly over with the animal walking on its toes. The calcaneum sits parallel to the ankle joint, essentially meaning the joint is fully extended any time the legs are straight. I imagine it as the same when a ballerina is on tiptoes, they also can't jump without either bending the balls of their feet (which elephants can't do) or by relaxing off their toes.

I will however concede that this alone isn't the only factor in the lack of galloping. The fact elephants have 4 forward facing knees also prevents a gallop.

Edit: the post below makes a very valid point that the joint in the front legs that performs the knee function is actually a wrist joint. The joint at the same level as the hind knees is actually a rear facing elbow joint. So it's more accurate to suggest they can't gallop because their legs bend the same direction when they walk/run. However the point around not being able to jump remains the same. The rear legs cannot produce the spring due to the way their feet are shaped and the way the joints sit. To gallop you must be able to propel your legs from the floor.

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LastLapPodcast t1_jdsk7ig wrote

Elephants don't have ankles, it's why they can't jump. To be able to gallop you'd need to spring off your feet. Try running (or even fast walking) without bending your ankles at all keeping you feet directly 90 degrees to your shin bone whist also never bending your toes. Then imagine being 20 tons and trying to do the same.

Edit: they also have 4 forward facing knees which also precludes galloping. Added for completeness.

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