Is still there a bird group classified as Palmipedes?

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In summary, the concept of palmipedes was part of an early attempt to classify birds based on interdigital webbing and swimming abilities. However, with the advancements in DNA knowledge, this classification is no longer considered accurate. The Century Dictionary, a reputable source of information from 120 years ago, also mentions palmipedes. Wordnik, an alternative to Wikipedia, may contain information about palmipedes.
  • #1
mech-eng
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Hi, Is still there a bird group classified as Palmipedes? I can not find enough information in the internet for it and this is also the first entry in this science forum.

Best Regards.
 
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From what I understand it is just a loose group of not necessarily related birds with interdigital webbing (or whatever it is called in English).
 
  • #3
According to https://www.wordnik.com/words/palmipedes it was part of the one of the early attempts to classify birds. Putting "all birds with webbed feet that swim" into one category seemed like a good scientific idea in 1774 - but not now that we know about DNA.

Note: the Century Dictionary is (was?) a reputable source of information when it was first published, about 120 years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_Dictionary
 
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  • #4
AlephZero said:
According to https://www.wordnik.com/words/palmipedes it was part of the one of the early attempts to classify birds. Putting "all birds with webbed feet that swim" into one category seemed like a good scientific idea in 1774 - but not now that we know about DNA.

Note: the Century Dictionary is (was?) a reputable source of information when it was first published, about 120 years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_Dictionary

Great help, and it is also good to know about the source of Wordnik which ,I think, is an alternative to Wikipedia but I want to know that how you can understand Wordnik could contain information about palmipedes or can you share your search paramaters please.

Best Regards.
 
  • #5


Yes, there is still a bird group classified as Palmipedes, also known as web-footed birds. This group includes birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and flamingos, which all have specialized webbed feet for swimming and navigating in water. While there may not be as much information readily available on this group compared to other bird groups, it is still recognized by scientists and can be found in scientific literature. I recommend checking reliable sources such as scientific journals or books for more information on Palmipedes. Thank you for your inquiry and interest in this topic.
 

1. What are Palmipedes?

Palmipedes, also known as web-footed birds, are a group of aquatic birds that have webbed feet for swimming and diving. They belong to the order Anseriformes, which includes ducks, geese, and swans.

2. Is Palmipede still considered a valid classification for birds?

Yes, Palmipedes are still considered a valid classification for birds. However, the term is not commonly used in modern taxonomy, and most experts prefer to use the more specific term "Anseriformes" instead.

3. How many species of Palmipedes are there?

There are currently 177 species of Anseriformes, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. However, not all of these species have webbed feet, as some have adapted to a more terrestrial lifestyle.

4. Are all aquatic birds considered Palmipedes?

No, not all aquatic birds are considered Palmipedes. While all Palmipedes are aquatic birds, not all aquatic birds have webbed feet. For example, penguins are considered aquatic birds, but they do not have webbed feet.

5. What is the purpose of webbed feet in Palmipedes?

The webbed feet of Palmipedes serve as powerful paddles for swimming and diving in water. They also help distribute the bird's weight evenly, making it easier for them to walk on soft surfaces like mud or sand. Additionally, the webbing between their toes helps them catch and hold onto prey while swimming.

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