Anisodactyl

/ænˌɪsoʊˈdæktɪl/ noun

Definition

An animal, especially a bird, with unequal or asymmetrically arranged toes or digits.

Etymology

From Greek aniso- (unequal) plus dactyl (from Greek daktylos, finger or toe). Ornithologists use this term for birds with irregular toe arrangements.

Kelly Says

Most birds have three toes pointing forward and one back, but some diving birds like grebes have their toes positioned differently or connected—these anisodactyls evolved their weird feet specifically for swimming or perching in unusual ways.

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