Inspired by another ? in Zoology.
I am going with the theory of evolution.
If wings on penguins were unnecessary for the climate they lived in, then why hasn't ALL of the wing disappeared?
Is there a purpose for these wings that are still necessary for their survival? Or have they not yet evolved to the point of non-existance?
I am going with the theory of evolution.
If wings on penguins were unnecessary for the climate they lived in, then why hasn't ALL of the wing disappeared?
Is there a purpose for these wings that are still necessary for their survival? Or have they not yet evolved to the point of non-existance?
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Penguin wings are fully functional. Penguins are wing-propelled divers. There are other birds that are similar to penguins, and use their wings to swim through the water. There are also foot-propelled divers as well, such as the familiar ducks and geese.
Therefore it is a misconception to think that penguin wings are unnecessary. Without wings and the flight muscles that power the wings, penguins would not be able to swim or dive, and would starve to death. Therefore, not only do penguins have and need wings, their wings are much stronger than those of most other birds. Most birds have wings that are made primarily from flight feathers, which are composite structures with lots of air space in between to save weight. Penguin wings, OTOH, are solid flippers, which make them stronger, albeit heavier, than most bird wings.
If you are looking for wings that are "unncessary", then look instead at such flightless birds as the kiwi, ostrich, rhea and cassowary. These birds have wings that are greatly reduced, and their flight feathers have indeed degenerated. These feathers are no longer air foils. Flightless birds also have lost their flight muscles as well, because these muscles are not only unnecessary, but they can consume as much as 25% of a bird's energy budget. Imagine having to eat 25% less every day, if a flightless bird does not have those useless flight muscles. That is indeed what we see. Flightless birds have lost their flight muscles.
Therefore it is a misconception to think that penguin wings are unnecessary. Without wings and the flight muscles that power the wings, penguins would not be able to swim or dive, and would starve to death. Therefore, not only do penguins have and need wings, their wings are much stronger than those of most other birds. Most birds have wings that are made primarily from flight feathers, which are composite structures with lots of air space in between to save weight. Penguin wings, OTOH, are solid flippers, which make them stronger, albeit heavier, than most bird wings.
If you are looking for wings that are "unncessary", then look instead at such flightless birds as the kiwi, ostrich, rhea and cassowary. These birds have wings that are greatly reduced, and their flight feathers have indeed degenerated. These feathers are no longer air foils. Flightless birds also have lost their flight muscles as well, because these muscles are not only unnecessary, but they can consume as much as 25% of a bird's energy budget. Imagine having to eat 25% less every day, if a flightless bird does not have those useless flight muscles. That is indeed what we see. Flightless birds have lost their flight muscles.
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Penguins are birds and they have wings. The wings have become specialised flippers which enable them to "fly" through the water and if you watch penguins swimming you will see that is preceisely what they are doing. Without those wings, a penguin could not swim or hunt its food.
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