angulates

Angulates refers to a proposed classification of birds within the class Aves. This group, which includes parrots, cuckoos, and owls, was hypothesized based on morphological similarities, particularly in the structure of the skull and palate. The concept of angulates was put forth by paleontologist Paul Sereno in the late 20th century.

The term "angulate" derives from the Latin word for "angle," referencing perceived angular differences in certain cranial bones that distinguished this group. Supporters of the angulate classification pointed to features such as the shape of the palate and the arrangement of skull bones as evidence for a unique evolutionary lineage. This grouping was intended to encompass birds with a specific set of shared anatomical traits.

However, the angulate classification has not been widely adopted by the ornithological community. Subsequent research, particularly using molecular and genetic data, has led to alternative and generally more accepted phylogenetic frameworks for bird evolution. Current understanding of avian relationships, supported by extensive genetic evidence, suggests that the groups traditionally placed within angulates are not necessarily each other's closest relatives. Therefore, while angulates was a significant hypothesis in avian systematics, it is largely considered an outdated concept in modern ornithology.