Dromiceius

/droʊmɪˈsiːəs/ noun

Definition

The scientific genus name for emus, the large flightless running birds of Australia.

Etymology

From Greek dromos 'running' plus -ceia; the genus classification emphasizing the emu's distinctive high-speed running ability.

Kelly Says

When scientists named emus Dromiceius in the 1800s, they were basically saying 'the running birds from distant lands'—and emus have proven them right by dominating Australian ecosystems!

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