MANIRAPTORA Meaning and
Definition
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Maniraptora is a biological taxonomic classification within the dinosaur group, specifically belonging to the theropod dinosaurs. The term "Maniraptora" is derived from the Latin words "manus" meaning "hand" and "raptores" meaning "robbers" or "plunderers." This classification includes a diverse group of bipedal, carnivorous dinosaurs.
Maniraptora is characterized by several shared features, including a long, slender body, hollow bones, three-toed limbs, and a bird-like skeletal structure. These dinosaurs are believed to have evolved from earlier theropods, and they themselves are important as transitional forms to birds within the evolutionary lineage.
One distinct feature of Maniraptora is their hands, or forelimbs, which are modified for grasping. Their hands possess elongated fingers with sharp claws, suggesting their ability to manipulate objects and possibly climb trees. Additionally, most Maniraptora have feathers or feather-like structures, which further connect them to the bird lineage. It is believed that some Maniraptora were capable of powered flight, while others had the ability to glide.
Maniraptora includes several well-known dinosaurs such as Velociraptor, Deinonychus, and the iconic Archaeopteryx, often considered a bridge between dinosaurs and modern birds. The study of Maniraptora is significant in understanding the evolutionary history of dinosaurs and the origin of modern avian species.
Common Misspellings for MANIRAPTORA
- naniraptora
- kaniraptora
- janiraptora
- mzniraptora
- msniraptora
- mwniraptora
- mqniraptora
- mabiraptora
- mamiraptora
- majiraptora
- mahiraptora
- manuraptora
- manjraptora
- mankraptora
- manoraptora
- man9raptora
- man8raptora
- manieaptora
- manidaptora
Etymology of MANIRAPTORA
The word "maniraptora" is a scientific term used in paleontology to refer to a group of theropod dinosaurs, which includes birds and their closest relatives. The etymology of "maniraptora" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Mani-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "manus", which means "hand". This prefix is used to indicate a connection with or a characteristic related to hands or forelimbs.
2. "-Raptora" is a suffix derived from the Latin word "raptor", which means "thief" or "robber". It is commonly used in scientific names to designate a group of predatory animals.
Therefore, "maniraptora" literally means "hand robbers" or "hand thieves", highlighting the distinctive hand or forelimb adaptations found in this group of dinosaurs.
Similar spelling word for MANIRAPTORA
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