A new genetic analysis explains how penguins lost the ability to fly, headed south, and became excellent swimmers

penguins evolved from flying ancestors into water loving swimmers and divers about 60 million years ago The most comprehensive overview of the tuxedo-clad bird's evolution to date can be found in a new genetic analysis.

The complete set of genetic information of all living and recently extinct penguin species was analyzed in a new study. Researchers compared the penguin's genome to that of other birds, like pelicans and albatrosses, using genetic data and the existing penguin fossil record.

penguins evolved in response to ancient climate shifts, which made their bodies unique to some of the toughest conditions on Earth.

According to a press release, the paper provides a step change in our understanding of which genes underpin these different adaptions.

Zealandia is a submerged land mass off the coast of Australia and was home to ancient penguins. The scientists think they migrated to South America. Around 30 to 40 million years ago, groups hitched rides on a strong ocean current in the middle of the world.

Before the formation of the polar ice sheets, penguins lost their ability to fly due to getting off the ground taking too much effort.

When most people think of penguins, they think of them in the snow and being chased by leopard seals.

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Global temperature changes have been found to be an important factor in the evolution of penguins. The emergence of crown penguins roughly 14 million years ago coincides with the expansion of the glaciers in the middle-to-late Miocene period.

According to researchers, these birds were able to thrive on both land and water because of their genes.

Some genes reduced penguins' feathers, which led to them developing flippers. White fat is an energy source and helps penguins stay warm in bitterly cold environments.

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Understanding how ancient penguins coped with climate fluctuations in the past could help them cope with a warming world. Modern penguins are not well-equipped to cope. Half of all penguin species are classified as either vulnerable or vulnerable due to rising temperatures from climate change.

According to the new study, penguins' rate of evolution slowed when the temperature rose.

The study authors said that the birds have evolved to become highly specialized marine predators and are now well adapted to some of the most extreme environments on Earth. As their evolutionary history shows, they now stand as protectors of cold-adapted fauna in a rapidly warming world.