Fig. 4. Mean kinematic profiles of the hindlimb and tail in chipmunks (triangles), red squirrels (squares) and flying squirrels (circles). All three species exhibit similar hindlimb kinematics and share a preparatory phase with a preliminary hop. The foot is initially extended during the preliminary hop, then flexed during transport and extended once again as it is set back down. Toe-down (TD) marks the beginning of the countermovement (CM) phase characterized by flexion of the knee and ankle. This is followed by extension during the propulsive phase. Tail kinematic profiles indicate a divergence among the three species, with chipmunks exhibiting the greatest amount of dorsiflexion, followed by flying squirrels and red squirrels. Values are means ± S.E.M., N=5 trials per species.

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