African Penguin This penguins wings are more stiffened and flattened into flippers to make swimming and diving for food easy. They are 24-28 inches tall, and 5-9 pounds in weight. They are considered to be endangered due to human consumption of their eggs, competition for food, and habitat disruption. |
Introduction
The fossil record for penguins is extensive. More than 40 species of extinct penguins are recognized. Scientist believe penguins split off from flying birds 60-65 million years ago. Diving and swimming for food caused the penguins to lose flying abilities. Penguins have undergone many adaptations including migration to different locations due to climate changes and the supply of food. I am sure they will have to evolve Flying African Penguin
This future penguin will evolve after a shortage in food supply. They will adapt from its ancestors by migrating from the coastline of South Africa to the inland of Africa. There bones will become hollow and less dense enabling them to fly once again. They will develop stronger muscles and wings that are lightweight, flexible, and moveable to be able to catch winds for flying. They will also grow a longer, stronger beak in order to catch more prey. Their diet will change to fruit, seeds, nuts, and insects such as worms, crickets, and cockroaches. |
Bibliography
A-Z Animals.com Writers. "A-Z Animals.com." African Penguins. OpenCrypt, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. <http://a-z-animals.com/animals/african-penguin/>.
By Brian Handwerk, for National Geographic PUBLISHED May 21, 2013. "Why Did Penguins Stop Flying? The Answer Is Evolutionary." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/131320-penguin-evolution-science-flight-diving-swimming-wings/>.
Penguin World Researchers Writers. "Penguin Evolution." Penguin Facts and Information. Elegant Themes, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. <http://www.penguins-world.com/penguin-evolution/>.
A-Z Animals.com Writers. "A-Z Animals.com." African Penguins. OpenCrypt, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. <http://a-z-animals.com/animals/african-penguin/>.
By Brian Handwerk, for National Geographic PUBLISHED May 21, 2013. "Why Did Penguins Stop Flying? The Answer Is Evolutionary." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/131320-penguin-evolution-science-flight-diving-swimming-wings/>.
Penguin World Researchers Writers. "Penguin Evolution." Penguin Facts and Information. Elegant Themes, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. <http://www.penguins-world.com/penguin-evolution/>.