Brevipennate

/brɛvɪˈpɛneɪt/ adjective

Definition

Having short wings or feathers; a more formal botanical and zoological term than brevipen for organisms with reduced wing structures.

Etymology

From Latin 'brevis' (short) + 'pennatae' (winged or feathered, from 'penna'). This scientific term gained prominence in the 19th century in comparative anatomy.

Kelly Says

Some insects like flightless beetles are brevipennate—they've lost the ability to fly but kept tiny wing covers, which scientists think is proof their ancestors could fly millions of years ago!

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