CHEIROPTERYGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Cheiropterygia refers to an ancient order of extinct reptiles commonly known as pterosaurs, which lived during the Mesozoic era, particularly in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, from approximately 228 to 66 million years ago. This taxonomic group includes a diverse array of flying reptiles, ranging in size from small-bodied forms with wingspans of around 1 meter to larger species with wingspans exceeding 10 meters.
The name "Cheiropterygia" is derived from the Greek words "cheir," meaning hand, and "pteryx," meaning wing. It is a fitting name as these creatures possessed elongated fingers that supported their large membranous wings. The wings of the pterosaurs were formed by a highly modified fourth finger, which extended alongside a thin skin membrane, similar to that of bats. This unique wing structure allowed them to achieve powered flight, making them the first vertebrates to have evolved this ability.
Pterosaurs had a lightweight but robust skeleton, with their wing membranes stretched between elongated arm and finger bones. They had a variety of different feeding habits, with some species being carnivores and others being filter feeders or insectivores. Furthermore, they displayed different body shapes, including long-necked forms and those with cranial crests, indicating a level of ecological diversity within the group.
Despite their reptilian nature, pterosaurs are not considered dinosaurs but are classified as a distinct group within the Archosauria clade. Cheiropterygia represents an important and fascinating part of prehistoric biodiversity, providing valuable insights into the evolution of flight and the ecology of ancient ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for CHEIROPTERYGIA
- xheiropterygia
- vheiropterygia
- fheiropterygia
- dheiropterygia
- cgeiropterygia
- cbeiropterygia
- cneiropterygia
- cjeiropterygia
- cueiropterygia
- cyeiropterygia
- chwiropterygia
- chsiropterygia
- chdiropterygia
- chriropterygia
- ch4iropterygia
- ch3iropterygia
- cheuropterygia
- chejropterygia
- chekropterygia
Etymology of CHEIROPTERYGIA
The word "Cheiropterygia" is derived from Greek roots. The term comprises two components: "Cheir-" and "-pterygia".
1. "Cheir" (χείρ) means "hand" in Greek.
2. "-pterygia" (-πτέρυγα) is the plural form of "-pteryx", which means "wing" in Greek.
Therefore, "Cheiropterygia" can be translated as "hand-winged" or "wings of the hand". The term refers to the order of mammals known as bats, as their wings are formed from a modified elongation of their hands, with the thumb and fingers extended and covered with skin to create wings for flight.
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