Human-Size Penguin Fossils Discovered
Scientists believe the 55-million-year old bird would have been the size of a man.
The fossilized remains of a giant penguin have been found at Hampden Beach in southern New Zealand. The fossils, researchers believe, came from a 220-pound ancient penguin species that was about five feet, ten inches tall, the height of an average man. The newly discovered species is called Kumimanu biceae and is derived from the local words for “monster” and “bird.”
The species is believed to have lived during the Paleocene epoch 55 million years ago, making it among the oldest penguin fossils ever discovered.
Scientists estimated the penguin’s size based on the fossilized remains of wing and leg bones found in sedimentary rock. Researchers recently published their findings in the journal Nature, but it’s not the first time ancient penguin remains have been found. Fossils dating back 25 million years have been found in New Zealand, and some dating back 30 million years have been found in Peru.
These other fossils of ancient penguin species indicate these animals had longer beaks than their modern relatives, which they likely used to spear fish.
Kumimanu penguins had flippers, and they likely would have sat upright like modern-day penguins. However, they were not the familiar white and black they are today—instead, their feathers were brown.
Scientists believe penguins descended from cormorants, a group of aquatic birds that persist today, and later evolved and spread. The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and sea reptiles made way for sea-diving birds like cormorants and penguins.
When Antarctica and New Zealand were subtropical, penguins would have shared the same environment as sharks, turtles, and other seabirds.
Scientists speculate that the Kumimanu became extinct about 20 million years ago soon after large marine animals entered their ecosystem. Large toothed marine animals such as seals or whales may have competed for food in the area or consumed the giant penguins as prey.
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico