Gentoo penguins are four species, not one
The gentoo penguin, the third largest penguin species, populates the Antarctic Peninsula and its many islands. It is also found in Falkland Islands and South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean and Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean. The gentoo penguin was first identified in 1781 and had been divided into two subspecies. But a recent study has shaken up this long-held categorisaton. Scientists at the Milner Center for Evolution at the University of Bath have recommended that gentoo penguins be reclassified as four separate species, as new evidence show the existence of genetic and physical differences between the penguin populations. The ‘four species’ live in quite different latitudes, have statistical differences in the lengths of their bones, and the sizes and shape of their beaks. They also vary in behavior such as breading and diet. The differences are great enough that the researchers think both recognized ‘subspecies’ should be elevated to their own species, while two new species should also be added.
Did you know?
Gentoo penguins build their nests using a pile of stones arranged in a large circle of diameter up to 25 cm. stones are gifted by the males to the females to woo them. The gifts are jealously guarded and fights over them can become quite nasty.
Picture Credit : Google
