Question

A digitigrade animal is
A. Bear
B. Elephant
C. Cow
D. Deer

Answer 1

Hint: In mammals, there are certain variations in foot posture depending upon the habit and habitat adapted to their environment. Except for humans, most mammals use all the four limbs for locomotion.

Complete answer:
Terrestrial mammals have different modes of progression. The method of locomotion and the manner of use of limbs during locomotion varies among mammals. Certain mammals have modified limbs that suits for running are termed as cursorial. The major function of the foot is locomotion. The foot postures of terrestrial mammals are classified into three major categories, based upon how the bones in their feet touch the ground during locomotion: Plantigrade, Digitigrade, Unguligrade.
PLANTIGRADE are referred as "sole walking" – flat-footed animals that walk by touching their whole foot on the ground during locomotion. Humans, raccoons, mice and bears are good examples of plantigrade animals. Stability and weight-bearing ability are considered to be the primary advantages of a plantigrade foot.
DIGITIGRADE refers to "finger/toe walking" – tiptoed animals in which only the phalanges (toes and fingers) make contact with the ground, either directly (as in birds) or via paw-pads (as in dogs). These animals usually walk or stand on its digits, or toes with the heel and wrist permanently raised. Examples of digitigrades include walking birds, cats, dogs, elephants and many other mammals. Generally, the digitigrade animals move more quickly than other animals.
UNGULIGRADE are "hoof walking" animals that walk or run only on their nails / tiptoes, usually hooves. It is specialized to sustain their whole body weight while running and moving in which it uses only the tips of their digits in contact with the ground during locomotion. They are referred to as hooved animals. Some unguligrade animals have only one hoof – e.g., horses and zebras, while others have hooves that are cloven in two – e.g., deer, cows, pigs, goats, sheep.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Most of the carnivorous animals are adapted for the digitigrade mode of locomotion. Terrestrial ungulates were mostly herbivorous and the majority of them lack a collar bone.