AlephZero said:According to https://www.wordnik.com/words/palmipedes it was part of the one of the early attempts to classify birds. Putting "all birds with webbed feet that swim" into one category seemed like a good scientific idea in 1774 - but not now that we know about DNA.
Note: the Century Dictionary is (was?) a reputable source of information when it was first published, about 120 years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_Dictionary
Palmipedes, also known as web-footed birds, are a group of aquatic birds that have webbed feet for swimming and diving. They belong to the order Anseriformes, which includes ducks, geese, and swans.
Yes, Palmipedes are still considered a valid classification for birds. However, the term is not commonly used in modern taxonomy, and most experts prefer to use the more specific term "Anseriformes" instead.
There are currently 177 species of Anseriformes, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. However, not all of these species have webbed feet, as some have adapted to a more terrestrial lifestyle.
No, not all aquatic birds are considered Palmipedes. While all Palmipedes are aquatic birds, not all aquatic birds have webbed feet. For example, penguins are considered aquatic birds, but they do not have webbed feet.
The webbed feet of Palmipedes serve as powerful paddles for swimming and diving in water. They also help distribute the bird's weight evenly, making it easier for them to walk on soft surfaces like mud or sand. Additionally, the webbing between their toes helps them catch and hold onto prey while swimming.