prehension

Very often one or other of the appendages may be modified for prehension, the seizing of prey or the holding of a mate.

It is covered with numerous large papillae, and forms, like the trunk of the elephant, an admirable organ for the examination and prehension of food.

The number of metacarpals and digits diminishes in proportion as the limbs cease to be organs of prehension, and become more exclusively organs of support and locomotion.

The trunk is of great strength and sensibility, and serves alike for respiration, smell, taste, suction, touch, and prehension.

To gain this great advantage, the feet have been rendered flat, and the great toe peculiarly modified, though this has entailed the loss of the power of prehension.