Brachycephalic

/ˌbræk.iˈsɛf.ə.lɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by a short, broad skull with a width that is 80-85% or more of the length.

Etymology

From Greek brachys (short) + kephalē (head) + -ic (suffix making it adjectival), standard scientific terminology for skull morphology.

Kelly Says

Dog breeds are still classified this way—bulldogs are brachycephalic, which is why they have breathing problems; the trait was artificially selected for looks, creating health issues that show how human preferences can harm animals.

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