Thepes (Latin forfoot) is thezoological term for thedistal portion of the hind limb oftetrapod animals.[1] It is the part of thepentadactyl limb that includes themetatarsals and digits (phalanges). Duringevolution, it has taken many forms and served a variety of functions. It can be represented by the foot of primates, the lower hind limb of hoofed animals,[2] the lower portion of the leg ofdinosaurs includingbirds or the rear paw. It is also represented in the rear 'paddle' ofextinct marinereptiles, such asplesiosaurs. The oldest types of tetrapods had seven or eight digits.[1]
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