The Northern Hemisphere’s Very Own Giant Penguins (Sort Of)

The video explores the evolution and extinction of flightless swimming birds, focusing on Penguins and Plotopterids. Both groups evolved similar adaptations for wing swimming independently, a result of convergent evolution. Fossil records show that Penguins originated in the southern hemisphere over 55 million years ago, while Plotopterids appeared in the northern hemisphere around 35 million years ago. Despite their similarities, these birds are not closely related. Their extinction coincided with the rise of predatory marine mammals, which competed for resources in their habitats.

Which of the following statements is true about the geographical distribution of Penguins and Plotopterids?

• Both were found in the northern hemisphere.

• Penguins were found in the northern hemisphere, while Plotopterids were in the southern.

• Both were found in the southern hemisphere.

• Penguins were mainly in the southern hemisphere, while Plotopterids were in the northern.

What is a unique feature shared by both Penguins and Plotopterids?

• They both have short beaks.

• They both have webbed feet.

• They both use their wings to swim.

• They both have long tails.

What does convergent evolution refer to in the context of Penguins and Plotopterids?

• The development of similar traits due to shared ancestry.

• The evolution of different traits in similar environments.

• The independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages.

• The simultaneous extinction of unrelated species.

Which present-day relatives are Penguins and Plotopterids associated with?

• Both with albatrosses.

• Both with ducks.

• Penguins with shearwaters, Plotopterids with gannets.

• Penguins with gannets, Plotopterids with shearwaters.

What factor is suggested to have contributed to the extinction of giant Penguins and Plotopterids?

• Increased volcanic activity.

• Climate change.

• Lack of food resources.

• Competition with predatory marine mammals.