playing behavior locomotor play exercise 2011-04-14T01:20:02Z Undirected behavior involving exercise and coordination, and often associated with repetition and 'practice' of adult behavior patterns in a non-functional context [NBO:AC] behavior_ontology Many different actions are included in locomotor play. Some of the actions include a vertical leap, running in circles, chasing an animals own tail, lolloping, bouncing, bucking, rolling, whirling, dangling, spinning, back flips, hand stands, somersaults, and hanging upside down. The vertical leap is seen in mammals like in primates, hares, and mice. Along with running and bouncing, the vertical leap is important for strengthening leg muscles for self defense, escaping, or chasing. Activities like dangling and hanging upside down are important for improving climbing ability. These many different examples of locomotor play are important in strengthening muscles and improving motor skills. By participating in locomotor play, individuals will be able to improve skills like fighting, hunting, fleeing, and climbing. George Gkoutos motor development playing behaviour motor play