Which of the following key animation principles emphasizes exaggerated body movements while recognizing weight and volume?

The key animation principle that emphasizes exaggerated body movements while recognizing weight and volume is squash and stretch. This principle is foundational in animation because it adds life and dynamism to characters and objects. By manipulating the shape of an object during motion—stretching it when accelerating or compressing it when coming to a stop—animators convey the illusion of weight and the physicality of the characters.

This principle not only makes animations more engaging but also helps to portray realism in movement, as it mimics how real-life objects behave when they interact with forces like gravity. For instance, a bouncing ball will squash when it hits the ground and stretch as it rises, demonstrating both its elasticity and weight.

Understanding this principle allows animators to create more compelling and believable animations that capture the audience's attention.