Final answer:
Short, strong bones are usually associated with terrestrial quadrupedalism, as this mode of locomotion requires increased strengthening and ossification of bones to support the animal's weight on land.
Step-by-step explanation:
Short, strong hand and foot bones are typically associated with terrestrial quadrupedalism, a mode of locomotion seen in animals that move mainly on the ground. In terrestrial quadrupeds, the appendicular skeleton must support the weight of the animal without the buoyancy of water, and as a result, bones show increased strengthening and ossification. The shift from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment also meant changes in the axial skeleton, including a firmer, more ossified vertebral column to reduce torsional strain and provide support for the body's weight.
As terrestrial tetrapods evolved, the vertebrae began enabling more vertical motion instead of lateral flexion, and a direct attachment between the pectoral girdle and the head was lost, reducing the impact of limb motion on the skull. Moreover, the placement of limbs underneath the body allowed for more efficient strides, reducing adductor muscle size and increasing the scapulae's range of motion, facilitating forward motion rather than a combined upward and forward movement of the limbs.