How Do You Spell PTERYLA?

Pronunciation: [tˈɜːɹɪlə] (IPA)

Pteryla is a tricky word to spell because its pronunciation doesn't follow the usual English spelling rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /tɛrɪlə/. The "pt" at the beginning is silent, and the "tl" in the middle is pronounced as "l". The "y" at the end of the word is pronounced as "ee". "Pteryla" is a term used in biology to refer to the feather tracts on a bird's body, and understanding its correct spelling and pronunciation is important in scientific communication.

PTERYLA Meaning and Definition

  1. Pteryla is a term used in ornithology to refer to the specific areas or regions on a bird's body where feathers grow. Derived from the Greek words "pteron" meaning wing, and "hylē" meaning forest or wood, pteryla refers to the arrangement of feathers on a bird, which follows a specific pattern or distribution.

    Birds have a unique arrangement of feathers, with each type of feather growing from distinct feather tracts or pterylae. These tracts are devoid of feathers and are typically separated by bare skin or apteria. Pterylae are spread across the bird's body in a regular pattern, allowing for the efficient and organized growth of feathers.

    The pterylae are classified into different groups based on their location and arrangement. The major pterylae include the apteria (areas without feathers), remiges (flight feathers found on the wings), and rectrices (flight feathers found on the tail). Within these major pterylae, there are also smaller subdivisions known as lesser pterylae, including the alula (a small group of feathers on the first digit of the wing) and coverts (feathers covering the primary wing feathers).

    The arrangement of pterylae varies among bird species, and this variation plays a significant role in identifying and classifying different bird species. Researchers and ornithologists study pterylae patterns to better understand the evolutionary relationships and ecological characteristics of birds. The arrangement and growth of feathers in specific pterylae also play an important role in determining a bird's ability to fly, thermoregulate, and display unique plumage patterns.

Common Misspellings for PTERYLA

Etymology of PTERYLA

The word "pteryla" comes from the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "pteryx" meaning "feather" and "pterylos" meaning "plucked" or "bereft of feathers". When combined, "pteryla" refers to the arrangement or distribution of feathers on a bird's body. In ornithology, it specifically denotes the pattern or area of feather tracts on the skin surface.

Plural form of PTERYLA is PTERYLAE

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