The scientific explanation of penguin’s waddle is that they have large webbed feet and short legs. They waddle to conserve their energy. When a penguin waggles, it conserves its energy which is the most needed thing in those severe climatic conditions .
Indeed, when it comes to walking, penguins expend twice as much energy as any other terrestrial animal of the same size. Their distinctive waddle, however, is not to blame. According to research published today in the journal Nature, this graceless gait is the most efficient way for penguins to move around on terra firma.
Why do Penguins Waddle?
The major reason why penguins waddle is that unlike other birds, penguins walk on their heelwithout resting the tip of the toes on land. The imbalance due to the heaviness of their body makes them tougher to walk easily and hence they waddle to make the functions simpler.
How do Penguins walk?
Penguins have large webbed feet whilst short legs; and when they walk, they give a comical look. But this so called “comical look” is the best possible way for them to walk.
One of the next things we asked ourselves was, why do Penguins shuffle while walking?
One of the much-known facts of the waddling walk of penguins is the physique. The body mass of penguins’ is greater than any other little bird. The reason behind they are not airborne is also the weight of their body. Almost every bird exhibit a kind of shuffle while walking.
Griffin is now studying other penguin species and four-legged animals to further explore the mechanics and energetics of walking. “Our knowledge gained from penguins provides novel insight into the gait mechanics of humans with increased lateral movements, such as in pregnant women or obese individuals,” he says.
Why do people love Penguins?
Maybe it’s because — let’s face it — they don’t so much walk as waddle. Whatever it is, penguins draw a crowd. “They’re dapper little birds,” said James Proffitt with the University of Texas. “People find them irresistibly charming.” And for Proffitt, they’re irresistibly interesting.