Sinornis

1 9.9

A small extinct bird from China that lived millions of years ago

noun

Specialized

: Sinornis

Unlike Archaeopteryx, Sinornis had a more advanced breastbone that allowed for improved flight.

Examples

Paleontologists were excited to unearth a nearly complete Sinornis skeleton in northeastern China.
The Sinornis was discovered in China.
The discovery of Sinornis provided important clues about the evolution of modern birds.
Fossils of Sinornis provide insight into early bird evolution.
The discovery of Sinornis in China provided important insights into the evolution of flight in birds.
Fossils of Sinornis show that it had various adaptations for flying, such as feathers and a lightweight body.
Sinornis was a small fossil bird that lived during the Jurassic period.

Surface Forms

Sinornis singular

Sinornises plural

Morphology

Sinornis = Sino- (opaque) = sino + ornis

This is a scientific genus name formed from the combining form 'sino-' (China) + '-ornis' (bird); these are specialized taxonomic elements and not productive, easily recognized English morphemes for most learners.

Etymology

Sinornis comes from Sino- meaning 'China' and -ornis meaning 'bird'. So, Sinornis simply means a 'Chinese bird', which fits this small, extinct fossil bird found in China.