Maniraptora (Noun)
Meaning
Advanced theropods including oviraptorids and dromaeosaurs and possibly even modern birds.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Maniraptora is a clade that encompasses a wide variety of advanced theropods including oviraptorids and dromaeosaurs.
- The discovery of Archaeopteryx in the late 19th century led scientists to consider the possibility that modern birds may have originated from maniraptora.
- Maniraptora is characterized by the presence of three clawed fingers and powerful hands which is similar to the hand morphology found in modern birds.
- Studies have shown that the foot and leg morphology of maniraptora played a significant role in their ability to grasp and perch, similar to modern birds.
- The shared characteristics between maniraptora and modern birds suggest that they may have shared a recent common ancestor and that maniraptora may have been the precursors to the evolution of modern birds.