The discovery of two new extinct species of penguins, Kumimanu fordycei and Petradyptes stonehousei, has given scientists an insight into the evolution of penguins. These species were found from the Moeraki Formation in New Zealand and are believed to have lived during the Late Paleocene epoch, around 60 to 55 million years ago. The discovery of Kumimanu fordycei and Petradyptes stonehousei provides an important addition to the knowledge about penguin evolution.
Kumimanu fordycei – A Unique Extinct Species of Penguin
Kumimanu fordycei was one of the two new extinct species of penguins discovered from the Moeraki Formation in New Zealand. It is estimated to have weighed around 148 to 160 kg, making it one of the largest penguins ever found. The large size of this species of penguin is a significant discovery, as it reveals that penguins were much larger in the early stage of their evolutionary history.
The large size of Kumimanu fordycei made it highly efficient in water. It had primitive features, such as more slender flipper bones and muscle attachment points that were similar to those of flying birds. This unique combination of features made Kumimanu fordycei a highly specialised and efficient swimmer, which would have given it an advantage over other marine animals in the water.