Penguins are the fastest swimming birds: scientists point out their similarity to airplanes
Penguins are the fastest swimming birds in the world. Their wings operate on the same principle as airplanes.
This conclusion was reached by scientists who studied Gentoo penguins, recognized by their bright orange beaks. These birds can reach speeds of up to 22 mph in water, as reported by Talker.
According to scientists, the remarkable swimming abilities of penguins are facilitated by unique plumage that generates thrust.
"Their wings or flippers are actually very similar to those of an airplane," said lead author Dr. Prasert Prapamonton of the King Mongkut Institute of Technology in Bangkok.
This discovery opens the door to the development of better and faster marine robots, with implications for search and rescue missions.
These enigmatic animals can also adjust their posture while swimming, altering the angle of their wings to reduce drag. They employ movements like flapping and "ducking," which mimic those observed in an airplane during takeoff and landing.
Their dense, short feathers can effectively trap air between the skin and the water, reducing friction and turbulence.
The computer modeling considered various factors, including amplitude, frequency, direction, and fluid parameters such as speed and viscosity.
