Why are penguin legs set far back on their body in terms of terrestrial motion?
Answer
This placement optimizes them as rudders for underwater steering.
The placement of a penguin's short, strong legs and webbed feet far back on the body creates the characteristic awkward waddle on land. This terrestrial inefficiency is a direct evolutionary trade-off for superior aquatic performance. When swimming, this rearward positioning allows the feet and legs to function precisely as rudders, giving the bird exceptional control and precision when steering underwater while chasing fast-moving prey.
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