Gentoo Penguins Are Actually Four Different Species, Latest Scientists Research, Smithsonian Magazine
Key takeaways
- A new study indicates that the adaptable marine birds evolved into distinct lineages as isolated populations shifted to match their environmental conditions over time.
- With white bellies, dark backs and a distinctive light patch above their eyes, Gentoo penguins might all look the same at first glance.
- The differences are not immediately obvious to the eye, Julianna A.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
A new study indicates that the adaptable marine birds evolved into distinct lineages as isolated populations shifted to match their environmental conditions over time. The work has implications for how conservationists assess threats to Gentoos. (Piece by Carlyn Kranking, Associate Web Editor, Science, Communications Biology)
With white bellies, dark backs and a distinctive light patch above their eyes, Gentoo penguins might all look the same at first glance. But according to new research pulling together physical, behavioral and genetic evidence, the birds should be split into four species.
The differences are not immediately obvious to the eye, Julianna A. Vanna, a biologist at Chile s Andr s Bello National University, tells Smithsonian magazine.