Jumping or leaping is an ability that most humans an many animals share to some degree. It is the process of getting one's body off the ground for a short time using only one's own power, usually by propelling oneself upward via contraction and then forceful extension of the legs. One can jump up to reach something high, jump over a fence or ditch, or jump down, and one can jump while dancing and as a sport. Some animals, such as the kangaroo, use jumping, more commonly called hopping in this instance, as their primary form of locomotion.