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moa
moa
Noun
pl: moas
This term refers specifically to a group of extinct ratites from New Zealand. Because it describes a biological taxon, it is used primarily in paleontological, zoological, and historical contexts rather than in general conversation.
As a countable noun referring to a specific type of animal, it follows standard English pluralization rules. It is distinct from other flightless birds like the kiwi or the ostrich due to its extinct status and specific geographic origin.
Meanings
Related Words
birdextinctratiteostrichemucassowarykiwiflightlessavianpaleontologyfossilbonebeakfeatherwinglegclaweggnesthabitatecosystembiodiversityevolutionspeciesgenustaxonomyphylogenyprehistoricextinctionpredatorpreyherbivorefoliageforestscrublandislandendemicnatural historymuseumskeletonanatomymorphologygigantismgrowthbiologyzoologyornithologyarchaeologystratigraphygeologyclimate changeadaptationdivergencecladelineage