A taxonomic group of birds characterized by a prominent keel-like structure on the breastbone that anchors flight muscles.
From Latin 'carina' (keel) plus the feminine plural suffix '-ae', used in scientific classification to denote a group of keeled birds distinguished by their specialized breastbone structure.
Most modern flying birds belong to Carinatae—their keel-shaped breastbone is like a ship's keel, providing an anchor point for the powerful pectoral muscles that keep them airborne, which is why you can see this prominent ridge if you've ever examined a chicken skeleton.
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