L E A R N I N G A C T I V I T Y 3
HOW HAVE PENGUINS ADAPTED TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT?
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Penguins are birds, but they do not fly. One of the reasons is because their bones are heavy and solid giving them more weight for swimming and diving in water. Flying birds have light, hollow bones filled with air. The lighter weight of the bones make it easier for them to get off the ground to fly. Penguins also have short stiff wings that act like paddles. These flippers let them push through the water almost like they are flying through the air. Long, wide wings that flying birds have would be not be useful in the water. | |
 |  | Penguins stand straight upright as compared to other birds that lean over. Their feet are far back on their bodies, which causes them to stand in an upright position. Penguins must stand straight upright because this is the only way they can balance their heavy plump bodies. If they stood or walked leaned over like other birds do, they would probably fall over. Penguins can walk or waddle very fast on land. They also move on land by jumping and tobogganing on their bellies. |
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Penguins have thick, webbed feet that are wide and strong. They use their strong feet for walking and jumping on the land. In the water they use their feet for braking and steering as they swim and dive. They also have long tails that help them to sit up on land and acts as a rudder when they are swimming. Flying birds have long, thin feet that let them perch on branches. | |
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Penguins have a strong and often long beaks. The beak is used to do many things. The beak is used for catching food. The edges of the beak are sharp and have rough spines in the inside to help them hold onto the slippery fish they catch under water. The beak is strong and is used to carry materials for nest building. Penguins use their beaks for feeding their young. The beak is used to preen their feathers and to spread the oil to keep them waterproof. Penguins use there sharp beaks for protecting itself and its young. Most flying birds have short, sharp beaks for picking up seeds and carrying nesting material. | |
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Penguins have two thick layers of feathers to keep them warm. They have an outer layer of thick, overlapping feathers that have a waxy oil that makes them waterproof when they are in the water. Under this layer is a thick fluffy layer of down that mixes with air to keep body heat in and cold air out. Penguins also have a thick layer of blubber that gives them warmth and insulation. The penguins feathers cover their plump bodies making its look like a thick fur coat. Most flying birds have thinner layers of short feathers. | |
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