Final answer:
Only smooth muscles exhibit peristaltic contractions, which are essential in the gastrointestinal tract for moving contents along. Skeletal and cardiac muscles have other functions and do not demonstrate peristalsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Only smooth muscle exhibits peristaltic contractions, which are fundamental to propulsion in the gastrointestinal tract. This type of contraction is characterized by rhythmic, wave-like movements that facilitate the movement of contents through the digestive system. Peristalsis is not a property of skeletal muscle or cardiac muscle, which perform different functions such as voluntary movement and pumping blood, respectively.
In summary, not all three types of muscle show peristaltic contraction. Only smooth muscles, such as those found lining the gastrointestinal tract, exhibit this behavior. Skeletal muscles, which are responsible for voluntary movements, do not exhibit peristaltic contractions. They primarily contract and relax to produce specific movements, such as flexing or extending a limb.