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Glite Dictionary
Pezophaps

Pezophaps

9.9
A group of extinct flightless birds from Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛzəˌfæps/
  • Specialized
: Pezophaps
  • The extinct genus Pezophaps is best known for the Rodrigues solitaire.

Examples

  • The Pezophaps was a unique bird native to Rodrigues Island.

  • Fossils of Pezophaps solitaria have helped scientists understand island evolution.

  • Researchers believe that Pezophaps became extinct due to hunting and introduced species.

  • Did the Pezophaps have any natural predators?

  • Fossils of Pezophaps solitaria provide crucial insights into the evolutionary history of island birds.

  • The extinction of Pezophaps was largely attributed to human activity and the introduction of invasive species.

  • Scientists study the Pezophaps to understand the adaptations of flightless birds in isolated environments.

Synonyms

genus Pezophaps
vsPezophaps
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of bird now extinct with only one species on Rodrigues Island

is identical in meaning but omits the formal taxonomic label

Compounds

genus Pezophaps
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of bird now extinct with only one species on Rodrigues Island

Pezophaps solitaria
  • Specialized
9.9

A flightless bird like the dodo that lived on Rodrigues Island and is now extinct

Surface Forms

Pezophaps singular
Pezophaps plural

Etymology

Pezophaps comes from Greek parts peza- meaning 'on foot' and -phaps meaning 'pigeon'. It was used for the Rodrigues solitaire because this pigeon walked on the ground and could not fly.