Penguins, known taxonomically as Spheniscidae are a group of aquatic, flightless birds native to Earth. They mostly inhabit Antarctica and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Around 17 species of penguin exist.
Overview
Physiology
Penguins are adapted to aquatic life as their vestigial wings became flippers. While the flippers are useless for flight in the air, they make the penguins' movement in water astonishingly agile. Penguins have a smooth plumage where a layer of air is preserved to ensure buoyancy. All penguins are counter-shaded; that is black backs and white fronts.
Behavior
Penguins usually live in colonies ranging from hundreds to several hundred thousand individuals. Most penguins feed on fish, krill, squid, and other forms of sea life they can catch underwater.
Relationships with Humans
Most penguins appear to have no fear of humans, and will often approach them without hesitation. Penguins are also popularly loved by humans around the world, most likely for their body shape, waddling gait, impressive swimming ability, and lack of fear of humans.
During an expedition to Antarctica, Graeme Miller was startled by a penguin while exploring the Razorback Point Whaling Station.
