Hemipodan

/hɛmɪˈpoʊdən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of hemipods, a family of birds with partially developed hind toes.

Etymology

From 'hemipod' plus the Latin suffix '-an', creating an adjectival form used in ornithological classification and description.

Kelly Says

The family Turnicidae (hemipods) evolved this unusual foot structure as an adaptation to ground-living—losing the hind toe actually made them lighter and faster runners in their grassland habitats!

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