Do penguins have jointed legs? If they do why do they walk around with stiff legs?
I contacted a zoo where they have a collection of penguins to confirm my thoughts on this question. The simple answer is yes, penguins do have jointed legs. Although you may not be able to see them, perhaps because of the folds of abdominal skin that penguins often have, they do have knee joints. The way in which penguins walk is related to a number of factors. Their legs are relatively short and they are set far back on their bodies. This is why penguins, unlike most birds, have such an upright posture. Taking small, seemingly stiff steps may aid balance. I would also imagine that taking small steps would be to the advantage of a bird which often lives in very slippery conditions. I certainly take very tentative steps on ice. Penguins can travel long distances overland. Rookeries (nesting sites) of the adelie penguin, for example, may be 50 miles from the sea and the penguins have to travel for 24 hours between feeding and reaching the nesting sites. In addition to walking penguins ma
