Aves

/ˈeɪviːz/ noun

Definition

The scientific class that includes all birds, characterized by feathers, hollow bones, and the ability to lay eggs.

Etymology

From Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird,' the plural form 'aves' became the formal taxonomic classification used in modern biology since the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Aves is a Linnaean class containing over 10,000 living species, from hummingbirds weighing less than a penny to ostriches weighing 300 pounds—all united by their shared avian ancestry from theropod dinosaurs!

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