Hexadactyle

/ˌhɛksəˈdæktəl/ noun

Definition

An organism or body part that has six digits or fingers, or a creature with six-fingered limbs.

Etymology

From Greek 'hex-' (six) + 'daktylos' (finger/digit). This anatomical term emerged in 17th-century comparative anatomy as scientists cataloged variations in limb structure across animal species.

Kelly Says

While humans typically have five digits, some ancient amphibians that evolved into land animals actually had six or more digits, and scientists can still find evidence of this 'sixth digit' gene in modern animals.

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