New Species of Penguin Discovered...
Musings from Doug,The attached photo is the first and possibly only photograph of what is thought to be a new species of penguin. During a recent trip to the remote village of Ushuaia, population 50,000, on the southern tip of South America, some novice explorers stumbled upon this rare find.
Thought to be a penguin, but not yet confirmed by scientists inasmuch as a thorough examination has not yet been conducted, this specimen is about five foot two inches, or approximately 1.57 meters tall. This specimen's weight is yet unconfirmed but early reports indicate that it is approximately [censored] kilograms.
Other specimens have been sighted but not photographed, indicating that the sizes of the adults can vary substantially. This specimen is on the lower end of the weight scale. One unconfirmed report indicated specimens slightly longer in length but at least twice the weight. One theory on this large weight variation is food intake. This is only a theory and has not been proven scientifically. All penguins have the same opportunity to the abundant food supply in the area. Why then is there such variation? Can this variation be attributed to genes alone?
The interesting thing about this captured specimen is it's ability to use flippers with amazing dexterity. The next largest penguins, the King and Emperors, use of the flippers is restricted to swimming only. It cannot even scratch with it. This specimen was seen by two witnesses adjusting it's flipper and head coverings using only flippers to accomplish this feat. Usually penguins use their feet to do this.
Another difference in this new species is the difference in child rearing arrangements. Apparently this species does not lay it's egg and then transfer it to it's spouses foot, but rather, keeps the egg to itself, hiding it for nine months and then surprising him with a screaming, gluttonous, offspring that does basically nothing but eat, poop and sleep for several months. This is one reason that scientists suggest that the male species of this new discovery have developed the habit of lying on their back in the nest with a flicker in their hand, watching gladiator sports.
E&OE
posted by Doug and Fellette @ 7:38 AM
2 Comments:
What a cute penguin!
Looks like a Miami Vice penguin!
"Playful Penguin Pastimes -
Between staying warm, raising chicks, finding food and avoiding predators, a penguin's life may not sound like much fun. But penguins have some playful pastimes -- many of which are surprisingly similar to human hobbies!
Tobogganing: Penguins lie on their belly and toboggan through the ice and snow. This helps them move quickly.
Surfing: Penguins are often seen surfing through the waves onto land."
Happy surfing!
Post a Comment
<< Home