Penguins – are the most fascinating creatures that exist on the planet. The charming tuxedo-clad appearance of the penguins makes them a loveable species. The penguins are capable of living in the water as well as on the land. This unique adaption confuses people about who they are – either a bird or a mammal. We in this article are going to reveal the actual identity of the penguins.
Are Penguins Birds Or Mammals?
Penguins are not mammals; they are aquatic birds that are mostly found living in the southern hemisphere. Penguins are flightless birds that cannot take a quick flight to save their lives instead they are land-based species that share many features with birds.
What Is The Classification Of Penguins?
In the animal kingdom, the penguins are classified as birds that fall in the phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Sphenisciformes, and family Spheniscidae. These species are known to share a history with reptiles and do not reach a distinction to be a mammal.
Which Characters Make Penguins Look Like A Bird?
Penguins possess remarkable features which resemble birds:
- They are vertebrates like other birds.
- They can breathe air through the lungs
- They are warm-blooded animals.
- They have a wing, which is modified forelimbs.
- They have small scales on their legs.
- Like birds, they have a beak.
- They have a keen vision
How Do Penguins Differ From Other Birds?
The main characteristic which makes penguins distinct from other birds is that they have the ability to swim as well as dive deep in the ocean water. They can take a deep dive of 250 to 535 meters while other birds lack this feature. Further, penguins have dense bones while other birds have light-weight hollow bones. Penguins have streamlined bodies that allow them to dive deep and hold the water pressure without sinking.
Why do People think Penguins Are Mammals?
Some of the common misconceptions which make people consider penguins a mammal are:
- Like mammals, penguins can stand upright on their legs.
- They are capable of camouflaging actively when swimming.
- They often group to conserve heat, which resembles the huddling behavior of mammals.
- Their flippers allow them to walk on the land.
- Instead of feathers, the skin of the penguins looks like cover with furs.
- They are unable to take a flight.
How Do Penguins Differ From Mammals?
Penguins differ from mammals in certain ways:
- Their body is covered with feathers instead of hair.
- Instead of giving birth, they lay eggs.
- They don’t have teeth
- They don’t feed their offspring with milk.
Final Verdict
Penguins are not mammals; they are flightless birds that share many features which resemble birds – they have feathers, wing, and keen vision like other birds. However, people may have certain misconceptions because penguins are capable of living on the land, but they cannot fly and conserve heat like a mammal. Despite all, penguins are characterized in the class Aves in the animal kingdom.