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How Do Penguins Swim So Well?
Penguins’ large aquatic lifestyle has determined the shape, coloration, what they eat, where they go on land, how they breed and their geographic range and distribution.
Body Adaptations for Penguin Swimming Speed
Just by looking at a penguin, it is clear to see that their bodies have been specially adapted for swimming. They have developed a streamlined body shape that reduces drag when they are in the water; a shape which has also been adopted by fish and marine mammals. Their wings (called “flippers” on penguins) and feet also serve a purpose.
Although their flippers are not much use on land, they function like propellers when underwater, allowing them to move forward and increase their speed dramatically.
Whilst swimming, their webbed feet get tucked away near the tail to be used to navigate through the water. All penguin bodies are covered in oily feathers, which create a water-tight layer and allows the water to flow smoothly over their bodies, thus reducing drag. But this is not the only thing a penguin’s body can do.
There’s a secret to how penguins can swim so fast through the water
A penguin’s feathers create tiny air pockets when fluffed underwater. In water, these bubbles act as a lubricant to reduce drag, just like an Olympic swimmer would use their swimsuit. This extra boost from the bubbles helps them reach speeds of up to 14 MPH.
Penguin Swimming Techniques
Penguins have evolved incredibly well since they made the move from the land to an aquatic lifestyle. While porpoising isn’t quite as efficient as swimming, it does provide a great, fast way for these creatures to travel.
How can you use porpoising in your business? It’s not ideal for predator avoidance but is a great way to travel long distances in search of food and reduce the risk of predators gaining access to your site.
Conclusion
Penguins are a diverse and amazing species of bird. Despite their awkward behavior on land, they have adaptations that make them one of the most successful birds in their habitat. With more research being conducted into these fascinating creatures, we are astounded at their capabilities. Without a doubt, penguins should not be underestimated.
Did you know about the amazing way penguins swim and how they adapt? Let us know what you learned or how you’ve been impressed by penguin abilities. Your contributions help to ensure that we can keep providing great science articles with articles on Penguins International.
Despite penguins being birds that have lost the ability to fly, who come across somewhat clumsy on land, they have shown to be one of the most successful aquatic birds based on their adaptations and techniques when swimming.
We were certainly surprised by their abilities! So much more research is needed before we fully understand them and come up with better conservation methods for them.
Penguins may be thought of as clumsy on land, but they are one of the most successful aquatic birds that have adapted to their environmental needs. The more research continues to be conducted on penguins, the more amazed researchers become by their abilities and limitations.
They go point by point and don’t seem like a bird that should be underestimated. Some facts about penguins: Did you know about the amazing way penguins swim? Let us know what you learned, and please help us continue to provide interesting articles with our donation!
Despite penguins being birds that have lost the ability to fly, who come across somewhat clumsy on land, they have yet again shown to be one of the most successful aquatic species when it comes down to their adaptive instincts and techniques.
The more research is conducted, the more we are astonished at how awesome penguins are! They are certainly a species that should not be underestimated and should not be overlooked in any sense! Let us know what other amazing feat you discovered about these flightless birds. We also ask for your help as well by donating to Penguins International.
