Brevipen

/ˈbrɛvɪpɛn/ adjective

Definition

Having short wings or feathers, used in describing birds or insects with reduced wing size.

Etymology

From Latin 'brevis' (short) + 'penna' (feather or wing). This ornithological term developed in the 18th-19th centuries for bird classification.

Kelly Says

Chickens and ostriches are brevipen—they evolved short wings because they stopped flying and started running, which is much better for catching bugs or kicking predators!

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