archaeopteryx

/,ɑ:ki'ɔptəriks/

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Word: Archaeopteryx

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition:Archaeopteryx is an extinct bird that lived during the Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. It is known for having feathers, a long feathered tail, and some features that are more like reptiles, such as teeth. Because of its unique characteristics, it is considered one of the earliest and most primitive birds.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You can use "archaeopteryx" when talking about the history of birds, evolution, or paleontology (the study of fossils).
• Example Sentence: "Scientists study the fossils of Archaeopteryx to understand how birds evolved from dinosaurs."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific discussions, "archaeopteryx" can be used to illustrate points about evolutionary biology, such as the transition from reptiles to birds. You might say, "The discovery of Archaeopteryx provided crucial evidence for the theory of evolution, showing a link between dinosaurs and modern birds."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the word "archaeopteryx," but related terms include "archaeopterygiformes" (a group that includes Archaeopteryx) and "paleontology" (the study of ancient life).

Different Meanings:

"Archaeopteryx" does not have different meanings in common usage; it specifically refers to the ancient bird.

Synonyms:

While there are no direct synonyms for "archaeopteryx," it can be associated with terms like: - Primitive bird - Early bird - Transitional fossil (when discussing its role in evolution)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "archaeopteryx," as it is a scientific term. However, you might encounter phrases in discussions about evolution or paleontology, such as: - "The missing link" (referring to a fossil that shows the transition between two different groups of organisms).

Summary:

Archaeopteryx is an important fossil that helps scientists understand the evolution of birds.

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Noun

1. extinct primitive toothed bird of the Jurassic period having a long feathered tail and hollow bones; usually considered the most primitive of all birds

Synonyms

• archeopteryx
• Archaeopteryx lithographica