Euornithes

/juːˈɔːrnɪðiːz/ noun

Definition

A group of extinct or ancient birds characterized by certain anatomical features considered primitive or early in avian evolution.

Etymology

From Greek eu- (well, true) + ornis (bird) + -es (plural). A paleontological term grouping birds by evolutionary characteristics.

Kelly Says

Euornithes classification shows how paleontologists debate bird evolution—are we looking at 'true birds' or 'early birds,' and the line between them gets blurrier as we discover more fossils.

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