Animals - Animal types and traits - Penguins - Bird anatomy
Why can't penguins fly?
Correct!
Penguins descended from flying birds, but they became highly adapted to life in water. Their wings became shorter, stiffer, and more flipper-like.
For birds, using the same wings for efficient flight in air and powerful underwater propulsion involves a biomechanical trade-off. In penguins, specialization for swimming and diving won out. Underwater they move with their flippers almost like flying, while the feet and tail also help with steering and balance.
