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Biped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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biped

[ˈbaɪpɛd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

living organisms

A biped is an organism that walks primarily or exclusively on two legs. This term is often used to describe certain animals, including birds and humans, that have evolved to move upright. Bipedalism is a key feature in the evolution of hominins, allowing for free use of the hands and greater distance coverage during travel. The mechanics of bipedal movement differ among species, affecting agility and speed. Bipedalism has implications for locomotion, energy efficiency, and adaptation to various environments.

Synonyms

bipedal being, two-legged organism.

Examples of usage

  • Humans are classified as bipeds because we walk on two legs.
  • Many birds are bipeds, using their legs for walking and running.
  • Bipedal locomotion evolved as a significant adaptation in some mammal species.
  • Researchers study bipedal movement to understand human evolution.
  • The skeletal structure of bipeds is different from that of quadrupeds.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Humans are the only primates that are fully bipedal, using two legs for walking and running.
  • Bipedalism allows for various advantages, including the ability to carry objects and free hands for tool use.
  • Some birds, like ostriches, have evolved to be bipedal, adapting their body structure for efficient movement.

Evolution

  • Bipedalism is believed to have evolved in early hominins to help with traveling long distances and seeing over tall grass.
  • The transition from quadrupedalism to bipedalism marks a significant evolutionary step in human ancestry.
  • Scientists study fossil footprints to understand how ancient bipeds lived and moved millions of years ago.

Culture

  • In literature, bipedal characters often symbolize intelligence and creativity, like many fantastic creatures in novels.
  • Cultural depictions often portray savages or villains as non-bipedal creatures, emphasizing their perceived differences from humans.
  • Art throughout history has frequently depicted bipeds in various stances to reflect human evolution and physicality.

Sports and Movement

  • Many sports rely on bipedal movement; running, jumping, and dancing showcase the variety of how we use our legs.
  • Athletes often train specifically to enhance their bipedal performance, demonstrating the strength and agility of two-legged movement.
  • In robotics, creating bipedal robots introduces challenges related to balance and coordination similar to human mobility.

Origin of 'biped'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'biped' comes from the Latin 'bi-', meaning 'two', and 'pes', meaning 'foot'.
  • It has been in use in the English language since the 15th century to describe two-legged creatures.
  • In scientific classifications, this term is often used to distinguish humans and birds from four-legged animals.

The term 'biped' originates from the Latin word 'bipes,' which means 'two-footed.' The prefix 'bi-' means two, and 'ped' comes from 'pes,' meaning foot. The concept of bipedalism has been a significant area of study in anthropology and evolutionary biology, particularly in understanding human evolution. Early hominins developed bipedalism as they transitioned from forest-dwelling to more open environments, where walking on two legs provided advantages such as improved visibility and the ability to carry objects. The study of bipeds not only informs us about muscle and skeletal adaptations but also sheds light on social behaviors and habitats of various species over time.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,582 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.