How Do You Spell ARTIODACTYLIC?

1. Artiodactylic is an adjective that pertains to the anatomical characteristics of a specific group of mammals called artiodactyls. Artiodactyls are a diverse order of mammals that have an odd number of toes on each foot, typically either two or four toes. The term "artiodactyl" originates from the Greek words "artios" meaning even and "daktylos" meaning finger or toe. Therefore, artiodactylic refers to the arrangement of toes in this specific group of animals.

   When describing the limbs of artiodactyls as artiodactylic, it implies that the structure of their feet consists of an even number of toes. The toes are arranged in such a way that there is symmetry in the positioning of each toe, either two on each foot or four in total. This characteristic distinguishes artiodactyls from other mammalian orders, such as perissodactyls, which have an odd number of toes.

   Artiodactylic limbs provide these animals with stability and balance, which is particularly beneficial for species that rely on running or walking on various types of terrain. The evenly distributed toes allow for efficient weight distribution, making artiodactyls well-adapted for terrestrial locomotion. This anatomical feature has helped artiodactyls become one of the most successful and diverse mammalian groups, comprising a wide range of species including deer, cattle, antelopes, pigs, and hippos.

2. Having an even number (two or four) of toes on each foot, noting the ruminants and certain other ungulate animals.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ARTIODACTYLIC

The word "artiodactylic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "artios" and "daktylos".

The Greek root "artios" means "even" or "even-numbered", while "daktylos" means "finger" or "toe". In the field of taxonomy and zoology, "artiodactyl" is used to refer to a group of mammals that have an even number of toes or digits on their feet. Examples of artiodactyls include antelope, deer, cattle, and pigs.

The suffix "-ic" is added to "artiodactyl" to form "artiodactylic", which indicates something related to or characterized by artiodactyls. In scientific contexts, it implies traits or qualities similar to those found in artiodactyls.