Pygostyle (PIE-go-style) is a "stumpy" tail formed by the last few tail vertebrae being fused together. They support the tail feathers of birds and probably evolved because long floppy tails are useless for controlled flight, although some oviraptorosaurs had them and they couldn't fly.
Pygostyle is clearly visible on a roast chicken or turkey — it's the roughly triangular bit that sticks out between its legs. You probably know it as "the Parson's nose".
Pygostyle is clearly visible on a roast chicken or turkey — it's the roughly triangular bit that sticks out between its legs. You probably know it as "the Parson's nose".
