Researchers around the world continue to study the evolution of species in different regions of the Earth. This made a scientist from New Zealand find the existence of a penguin that inhabited the place thousands of years ago. Although the original species has become extinct, very close descendants have retained the characteristics it had.
This means that it is still possible to observe the prehistoric penguin through its living relatives today. The study that proves the subject was recently published in the Journal of Paleontology. The discovered group of animals was named the Wilson penguin. Learn more about this discovery!
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Learn more about the discovery of the new penguin
Paleontologists found two skull specimens excavated on the country's North Island. By the way, now, the penguin in question is considered the best-known specimen by scientists.
Above all, the discovery says that he lived in New Zealand territory for many millions of years. In addition, continuous evolution gave rise to other variations of the species, some of which resist to this day.
However, obtaining accurate results was made difficult by the existence of only two skulls found. If the skeletons were intact, it would be easier to make the appropriate animal comparisons.
Lineage has changed very little over the years.
One of the most exciting details of the find is that the lineage of ancient penguins has changed little over time. In addition, they know that the animal was 35 cm long and weighed only about 1 kg. Prehistoric individuals were much like today's blue penguins.
Another encouraging piece of information is that blue penguins are in a group that is not at risk of extinction. The main threats to these animals focus on climate changes that may occur over the next few years.
During the last summer, for example, several bathers in the New Zealand came across hundreds of lifeless penguins on the north coast of the country. Studies on the subject should be deepened from now on.
