polydactylous

It is this hand-like office of the anterior limbs which explains why in some of the polydactylous quadrupeds, such as wolves, lions, dogs, and leopards, there are actually five digits on each forefoot, though there are only four on each hind one.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

As to the animals that are not polydactylous but produce few at a birth, or have horns, their dugs are placed in the region of the thighs.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

So also no polydactylous animal is furnished with horns.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

The mammae are not more than two, because this animal has only a single young one at a birth; and they are not placed in the region of the thighs, because they never occupy that position in any polydactylous animal such as this.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

But such as are polydactylous and without horns, though they too are of dwarf-like shape, are so in a less degree; and therefore the greater growth of the lower parts as compared with the upper is also small, being proportionate to this smaller deficiency.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

For if they had they would not be polydactylous, but the divisions of the foot would only extend to that amount of its breadth which was covered by the huckle-bone.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

For in polydactylous quadrupeds the fore-feet are intended not merely to support the weight of the body, but to serve as hands.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

On the other hand, it is elongated in all polydactylous animals.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

It is true that in the smaller polydactylous quadrupeds the hind feet also have each five toes.

On the Parts of Animals 2002

Not but what even among quadrupeds there is at any rate a tendency for such as are polydactylous to use their forefeet not only for locomotion but as hands.

On the Parts of Animals 2002