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Story: Penguins

Body shape

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Body shape

A penguin’s form differs from that of flying birds, and is more similar to other long-distance swimmers such as whales, dolphins, seals and tuna. With bodies tapered at both ends, they encounter little resistance as they push through the dense medium of water. These powerful swimmers also have side flippers just ahead of their widest point. Their rear-pointing flippers, tail flukes or feet make for drag-free steering or propulsion. Penguins’ feet are also near their tail when on land, which is why they walk upright, unlike other birds.

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Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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How to cite this page

Lloyd Spencer Davis, Penguins – Body shape, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/diagram/6383/body-shape (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Lloyd Spencer Davis, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

mark
13 March 2014
omg this was sooooooo helpful