Gait is the pattern of
movement of the
limbs of animals, including
humans, during
locomotion over a solid substrate. Most animals use a variety of gaits, selecting gait based on
speed,
terrain, the need to , and energetic efficiency. Different animal species may use different gaits due to differences in
anatomy that prevent use of certain gaits, or simply due to evolved innate preferences as a result of habitat differences. While various gaits are given specific names, the complexity of biological systems and interacting with the environment make these distinctions 'fuzzy' at best. Gaits are typically classified according to footfall patterns, but recent studies often prefer definitions based on mechanics. The term typically does not refer to limb-based propulsion through fluid mediums such as water or air, but rather to propulsion across a solid substrate by generating reactive forces against it (which can apply to walking while underwater as well as on land).
