What is the taxonomy of penguins?
We used to think the taxonomy of penguins was straightforward. However, biologists seem to have a habit of changing the way they classify penguins. The most up to date classification is that given by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, however, most penguin textbooks give a different version. The main difference is that most penguin biologists seem to prefer to put penguins in an order of their own (Sphenisciformes) while ITIS lumps them with many other families in the order (Ciconiiformes). The ITIS taxonomy is: Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Chordata Sub – Phylum – Vertebrata Class – Aves Order – Ciconiiformes Family – Spheniscidae Genus – Aptenodytes, Pygoscelis, Eudyptes, Megadyptes, Eudyptula, Spheniscus (6 Genera) Species – 17 different species as listed in the detailed species notes. While the taxonomy given in most penguin texts is:- Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Vertebrata Class – Aves Order – Sphenisciformes Family – Spheniscidae Genus – Aptenodytes, Pygoscelis, Eud
