Diplopteryga

/ˌdɪp.lɑpˈtɛr.ɪ.ɡə/ noun

Definition

An organism or classification possessing two wings or a double-winged structure, sometimes used to describe fish fins arranged in paired sets.

Etymology

From Greek diplo- (double) and pterýgia (fin or wing). This term evolved from ancient anatomical descriptions that drew parallels between fish fins and bird wings as paired appendages.

Kelly Says

Fish fins come in pairs—pectoral and pelvic fins are like the diplopteryga concept in aquatic animals—and this inspired scientists to recognize that fins and wings are homologous structures, meaning they evolved from the same ancestral body parts millions of years ago!

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