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The structure of tree-dwelling animals reflects their locomotor habits. There are many adaptation for climbing but all require strong grasping abilities with no leg being moved until the others are firmly anchored. The sequence of alternating movements in climbing is closely related to that of walking or hopping. Leaping from limb to limb is also similar to terrestrial saltation. In brachiation (using the arms to swing from one place to another), the body is suspended rather than being supported, but the pattern of movements is similar to walking. Birds also use walking and hopping movements on tree branches.
Metaphor
The structure of hierarchically-oriented groups or individual personalities reflects their mode of movement through the social and conceptual hierarchies within which they function.
[Features]The range of techniques used to manoeuvre through a tree or a network of interweaving branches of different trees.
[Contrast]There is widespread recognition of 'climbing', whether up an organizational hierarchy or in the form of 'social climbing' within an informal network. There is some recognition of 'leaping' from one organizational hierarchy to another, but more widespread disapproval of 'leaping' around within conceptual hierarchies (because of the implied non sequitur). No equivalent use is made of 'swinging' through interlacing organizational or conceptual networks. There is however recognition of group or individual ability to 'perch' on some particular 'branch' of knowledge or other position.
[Keys]Movement from position to position. Continuous tree canopies in contrast with isolated clusters. Trees as an interface for birds, tree-dwellers and ground-dwellers.