ClimateSeptember 3, 2026

therapods

THER-uh-podz

Definition

A group of bipedal, primarily carnivorous dinosaurs that include the ancestors of modern birds.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'therios' meaning 'beast' and 'pous' meaning 'foot,' describing the characteristic bird-like feet of these prehistoric animals.

In the news

The author uses this term to illustrate the resilience and evolutionary creativity of life, noting that even after catastrophic extinctions, these creatures evolved into the robins we see today.

Faith in Stumps

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Earth Island Institute

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