William presented to the class his segment of science news today. Below is his speech:
Good morning Ms Leung and Year 8. My presentation today will be on how penguins lost their ability to fly. Penguins lost their ability to fly millions of years ago. This is because penguin became lean and mean diving machines, meaning they have traded their flight for these swimming skills. Once penguins gave up flight, their wing structures started to change and also their body size and shape must have followed rapidly because flying no longer placed constraints to the penguin's body forms. Now that the penguins can't fly they are at more risk of predation in the water than they are on the land and so there has been strong selection to make swimming and diving as efficient as possible. Also flippers aren't really good flying material.
So, which would you choose? Having the ability to fly or having the ability to swim and dive, but gaining a few more pounds?
Good morning Ms Leung and Year 8. My presentation today will be on how penguins lost their ability to fly. Penguins lost their ability to fly millions of years ago. This is because penguin became lean and mean diving machines, meaning they have traded their flight for these swimming skills. Once penguins gave up flight, their wing structures started to change and also their body size and shape must have followed rapidly because flying no longer placed constraints to the penguin's body forms. Now that the penguins can't fly they are at more risk of predation in the water than they are on the land and so there has been strong selection to make swimming and diving as efficient as possible. Also flippers aren't really good flying material.
So, which would you choose? Having the ability to fly or having the ability to swim and dive, but gaining a few more pounds?