Cypselomorphae

/ˌsɪp.sə.loʊ.ˈmɔr.fi/ noun

Definition

A taxonomic grouping or division of organisms classified by their swift-like morphological characteristics.

Etymology

From cypselomorph combined with the Latin -ae suffix, used for taxonomic groupings. This represents a scientific classification based on shared morphological features rather than strict evolutionary descent.

Kelly Says

Cypselomorphae is an example of an older classification system that grouped animals by what they looked like rather than DNA—it's been replaced by modern phylogenetics, but it shows how scientists used to think evolution worked through shape convergence.

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