ratitae
2 dictionary results for: Ratitae
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| ratitae | |
noun | |
| used in former classifications to include all ratite bird orders |
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
Ratitae
A"ves\, n. pl. [L., pl. of avis bird.] (Zo["o]l.) The class of Vertebrata that includes the birds. Note: Aves, or birds, have a complete double circulation, oviparous, reproduction, front limbs peculiarly modified as wings; and they bear feathers. All existing birds have a horny beak, without teeth; but some Mesozoic fossil birds (Odontornithes) had conical teeth inserted in both jaws. The principal groups are: Carinat[ae], including all existing flying birds; Ratit[ae], including the ostrich and allies, the apteryx, and the extinct moas; Odontornithes, or fossil birds with teeth. Note: The ordinary birds are classified largely by the structure of the beak and feet, which are in direct relation to their habits. See Beak, Bird, Odontonithes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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