What does the rapid appearance of large penguin body sizes after the mass extinction event suggest about their evolution?
Answer
That the evolutionary blueprint for large, flightless seabirds was established quickly
The evidence suggests that the development of large body sizes was not gradual, implying that ecological niches were rapidly occupied by specialized large avian forms.
Related Questions
From which geological formation were the fossils of *Waimanu manneringi* recovered?During which geological epoch did *Waimanu manneringi* exist?What was the estimated maximum height of *Waimanu manneringi* in inches?What was the approximate upper limit of the estimated body mass for *Waimanu manneringi* in pounds?What structural feature of *Waimanu manneringi*'s wing bones indicated adaptation for swimming?Which modern penguin species is frequently used as a size analogue for *Waimanu manneringi*?What was the measured length of the tarsometatarsus in the holotype specimen of *Waimanu manneringi*?How did *Waimanu tuatahi* compare in size to *Waimanu manneringi*?What does the rapid appearance of large penguin body sizes after the mass extinction event suggest about their evolution?What was the estimated height of another newly discovered giant penguin fossil found near *W. manneringi* fossils?