Re: Giant birds

["Tim Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Nick Pharris wrote:

> _Phorusrhacus_.  Formerly known as _Phororhacus_ (If I had my way, it still
> would be.  The latter is etymologically better as well as easier to say.)  
> I
> can't seem to figure out what it means.  My Greek dictionary gives me weird
> translations like "ragged tribute".

I think the name _Phorusrhacus_ means "branch-bearing" or "branch-holding" 
(Gk. *phorein/phoros* = to bear or carry [as in Phosphorus - 
"light-bringer"] + *rhakhos/rhakos* = branch or spine).  According to the 
version I was told, Ameghino originally thought the jaw came from a 
prehistoric sloth rather than a large bird.

The tree frog genus _Rhacophorus_ has the same derivation.


Tim



------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy J. Williams

USDA/ARS Researcher
Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames IA 50014

Phone: 515 294 9233
Fax:   515 294 3163

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com