Penguin

Posted December 22nd, 2007 by Anonymous

Penguins (order Sphenisciformes , family Spheniscidae ) are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere.

The number of penguin species is debated. Depending on which authority is followed, penguin biodiversity varies between 17 and 20 living species, all in the subfamily Spheniscinae . Some sources consider the White-flippered Penguin a separate Eudyptula species, while others treat it as a subspecies of the Little Penguin (e.g. Williams, 1995; Davis & Renner, 2003); the actual situation seems to be more complicated (Banks et al. 2002). Similarly, it is still unclear whether the Royal Penguin is merely a color morph of the Macaroni penguin. Also eligible to be a separate species is the Northern population of Rockhopper penguins (Davis & Renner, 2003). Although all penguin species are native to the southern hemisphere, they are not, contrary to popular belief, found only in cold climates, such as Antarctica. In fact, only a few species of penguin actually live so far south. At least ten species live in the temperate zone; one lives as far north as the Galápagos Islands: the Galápagos Penguin.

The largest living species is the Emperor Penguin ( Aptenodytes forsteri ): adults average about 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) tall and weigh 35 kg (75 lb) or more. The smallest penguin species is the Little Blue Penguin (also known as the Fairy Penguin), which stands around 40 cm tall (16 in) and weighs 1 kg (2.2 lb). Among extant penguins larger penguins inhabit colder regions, while smaller penguins are generally found in temperate or even tropical climates ( see also Bergmann's Rule). Some prehistoric species attained enormous sizes, becoming as tall or as heavy as an adult human (see below for more). These were not restricted to Antarctic regions; on the contrary, subantarctic regions harboured high diversity, and at least one giant penguin occurred in a region not quite 2000 km south of the Equator 35 mya, in a climate decidedy warmer than today.

Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid, and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. They spend half of their life on land and half in the oceans.

Penguins seem to have no special fear of humans and have approached groups of explorers without hesitation. This is probably on account of there being no land predators in Antarctica or the nearby offshore islands that prey on or attack penguins. Instead, penguins are at risk at sea from predators such as the leopard seal. Typically, penguins do not approach closer than about 3 meters (9 ft); they become nervous at about that distance. This is also the distance that Antarctic tourists are told to keep from penguins (tourists are not supposed to approach closer than 3 meters, but are not expected to withdraw if the penguins come closer).

Random Penguin information from members.

Lastnight in the Penguins vs Bruins game Crosby has a goal, 2 assists and 5 PIM. Crosby earned the 5 penality minutes from a fight against Andrew Ference. The fight came when the Penguins were up 3-0 in the second period. This marked Crosby’s first fight in the NHL.

You can see the drips on her skirt, the clue that this wasn't your everyday glacier costume. Baby penguins cling to the iceberg hoodie.

Penguin sketches made by Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton have been found in a basement at Cambridge University. The legendary explorers drew the pictures on blackboards, probably for public lectures, in 1904 and 1909.

The legendary explorers drew the pictures on blackboards in 1904 and 1909. "It's like having the explorers' autographs, only more wonderful, because each has signed their name next to a hand-drawn penguin."

This hilarious streaming video spoofing The March of the Penguins movie is an ad for a French TV channel.

Penguin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Penguins ( order Sphenisciformes , family Spheniscidae ) are a group of aquatic , flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere

Penguin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Penguins ( order Sphenisciformes , family Spheniscidae ) are a group of aquatic , flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere