The Evolution of a Penguin
In the 21st century, many humans wonder why Penguins are so unique. James Randerson says " They have a dinner-suit plumage and waddling gait, penguins are among the most unusual and endearing members of the bird kingdom." Something has caused penguins to change. The scientific community has researched the changes, finding evidence that supports the Penguins evolution. In the beginning, scientists believed that penguins evolved from a flying bird that dated back to 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx. According to Bnet.com, Ornithologists agree that, "Their closest living relatives appear to be an albatross, the graceful, soaring birds celebrated for their ocean-spanning trips in search of food for their young, says Marcel van Tuinen." Why is it that Penguins can not fly and how have they evolved?
The reason why Penguins cannot fly in the "Air" is because of their habitat. During the time of their evolution from a flying bird, they didn't need the ability to fly. Usually flying birds have hollow bones because they decrease the weight of the bird. A decreased weight equals a smoother flight for the bird. In the case of the Penguin, its wings are heavier so they can move through the water more rapidly. Many scientists would say that they "Fly" through water. Other researchers believe that Penguins evolved because of micro-evolution. It was used regarding because penguins were forced out of their normal habitat and because of that, they had to interbreed with members of different colonies. One idea, from MSNBC, was that "the breakup of mega-icebergs was blocking the swim paths of penguins and forcing them to migrate to more accessible colonies." Today, most species of the Penguin live in the Southern Hemisphere. The Penguin life varies from species to species.
Penguins live abundantly on many temperate and sub-Antarctic islands. Depending on where the Penguin is located determines its body structure. Galapagos penguins, which do not have the normal thick body structure, are located on tropical islands at the equator. Compared that to the emperor penguins that have a very thick layer of body fat , which are restricted to the pack ice of Antarctica. With all of the research done by scientists, similar to humans, there is still a missing link as to how Penguins have evolved, but only time will tell.
Sources :
http://www.penguins-world.com/penguin-evolution.htmlhttp://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_22_166/ai_n8576738/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2007/jun/26/fossils.uknews/print
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9967766/
http://media.photobucket.com/image/penguins/kremar15/Penguins.jpg
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