Why do penguins not fly but fly underwater?
Eleanor Lewis, St Ippolyts Primary School A. On land, penguins tend to inelegantly walk, jump or toboggan over ice and snow. Penguins can t fly because their wings are too small for their bodies and their wrist and elbow joints are fused, which stops their wings from folding. Buoyant, torpedo-shaped bodies and an efficient flipper design which acts as a powerful propulsion unit, penguins use their bill, tail and feet to rapidly change direction in order to chase fish or avoid predators. When travelling any distance, penguins will `porpoise , leap out of the water, to reduce drag and conserve energy. While they forage at sea, penguins are under constant threat from their predators including leopard seals, orcas (killer whales), and occasionally fur seals. Consequently, not only are penguins much more skilful at swimming than walking, they even consume one-third less energy at sea than on land.
