RE: meaning of scientific names

[Eric Martichuski <herewiss13@hotmail.com>]

> From http://home.earthlink.net/~misaak/taxonomy/taxEtym.html:


Raphus cucullatus Linnaeus, 1758 (dodo) "Raphus" comes from a vulgar term 
for "rump." The dodo's common name and former scientific name (Didus ineptus 
L.) are also perjorative. However, study of fossils show that wild dodos 
were sleeker and active; their modern image came from overfed obese captive 
specimens and/or overstuffed specimens.

Didn't have time to look for cucullatus, but I'm guessing most online 
latin/english dictionaries might be able to offer a source word.

Eric
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"There is no other wisdom,
And no other hope for us
But that we grow wise. -- Diane Duane
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