What does the term fusiform describe regarding the penguin's body shape?
Answer
A shape tapered at both ends, minimizing drag in water.
The term fusiform is used to describe the overall body silhouette of a penguin. This geometry means the body is streamlined and tapered towards both the head/chest area and the rear end. This specific shape is highly advantageous for aquatic life because it allows the bird to move smoothly and efficiently through the dense medium of water, significantly reducing hydrodynamic drag as they pursue prey or travel.
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