Genus Pterocnemia (Noun)
Meaning
A genus of birds of the family Rheidae.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The genus Pterocnemia is a group of large, ground-dwelling birds found in South America, closely related to ostriches and emus.
- Rhea americana was originally classified as part of the genus Pterocnemia but was later reclassified as a distinct species.
- Studies have shown that the genus Pterocnemia shares a common ancestor with other ratite families such as Casuariidae and Dromaiidae.
- Birds belonging to the genus Pterocnemia can be recognized by their powerful legs and large, featherless wingspans.
- There are two common species in the genus Pterocnemia: Rhea americana is no longer part of the genus Pterocnemia but, Greater rhea and the lesser rhea.