pygostyle

anatomy

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July 16, 2026

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The pygostyle is a plate of bone found at the posterior end of the vertebral column in most birds. It is formed by the fusion of several caudal (tail) vertebrae. This structure supports the tail feathers and plays a role in steering during flight. The term "pygostylous" is an adjective used to describe something related to or constituting a pygostyle.1234

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bird
Skeleton
…(caudal) vertebrae and finally the pygostyle, which consists of several fused caudal vertebrae and supports the tail feathers.
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…(caudal) vertebrae and finally the pygostyle, which consists of several fused caudal vertebrae and supports the tail feathers.
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Ichthyornis
…of several fused vertebrae (pygostyle), as did the tails of all but the most primitive birds such as Archaeopteryx. Unlike modern birds, Ichthyornis possessed teeth, which are thought to have been used to hold its prey, manipulate objects, and preen its feathers. The brain of Ichthyornis showed greater development…
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…of several fused vertebrae (pygostyle), as did the tails of all but the most primitive birds such as Archaeopteryx. Unlike modern birds, Ichthyornis possessed teeth, which are thought to have been used to hold its prey, manipulate objects, and preen its feathers. The brain of Ichthyornis showed greater development…
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