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If you’ve ever seen penguins in movies or on TV, or even in a zoo or conservatory, you might have noticed that they waddle around a lot! So how do they use their wings??
Even though most birds use their wings for flying, penguins use theirs for something else helpful instead: Swimming! Penguin wings are flipper-like so they make excellent paddles that help penguins glide through water just as easily as other birds glide through air. Because penguins spend a lot of their lives in and around the ocean, this is more helpful to them than having wings for flying. Even a penguin’s body shape and special waterproof feathers are built for their life in the water. – Swim on!
by
(whyzz writer)
Even though most birds use their wings for flying, penguins use theirs for something else helpful instead: Swimming! Penguin wings are flipper-like so they make excellent paddles that help penguins glide through water just as easily as other birds glide through air. Because penguins spend a lot of their lives in and around the ocean, this is more helpful to them than having wings for flying. Even a penguin’s body shape and special waterproof feathers are built for their life in the water. – Swim on!
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Exploration
Winged Wonders
Although most bids use their wings for flight, there are some others in addition to the penguin who use them for other things. – One good example is the ostrich! Instead of flying, ostriches mostly use their wings to stay steady while running.
Are there any other non-flying birds you’ve learned about? Why do you think it might be more helpful to these birds to use their wings for other things besides flying??
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Sources & links
“Penguins Adaptation.” 2000. Gulf Marine Aquarium. 11 Oct. 2010 “Frequently Asked Questions.” New Zealand Penguins. 11 Oct. 2010