Fig. 3. Representative video frames portraying a single take-off sequence during a launch in the flying squirrel. Three distinct phases were identified: (i) the preparatory phase is characterized by a stereotyped preliminary hop that transports the hindlimbs forward to the edge of the platform; (ii) the countermovement (CM) phase is characterized by flexion of the knee and ankle, producing a countermovement that increases take-off velocity; (iii) the propulsive phase immediately follows the countermovement phase and is characterized by rapid extension of the knee and ankle until the animal loses contact with the platform. Note that, during the propulsive phase, the tail is dorsiflexed and the forelimbs are protracted. Landmarks (cotton pom-poms)=5 mm.

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