Identification of a new species of giant long-lived fossil penguin

In January 2006, a group of children went on a fossil hunt with an experienced archaeologist at a summer camp in Waikato, New Zealand. Hope to find fossils of oysters and the like, as they usually do in this area, to the upper harbor of Kohia, a hot spot for these types of activities. Hamilton Club for young nature lovers Trips.

But on this day, before returning home, they found the path of the fossils near where they had left the kayak and under the high waves, more than the prehistoric race. After careful extraction, an archaeologist later determined that it was the most complete fossil skeleton of an ancient giant penguin.

According to a recent study published in Journal of Spinal Archeology According to scientists at the University of Massey, this is a new prehistoric penguin species. This discovery helps scientists fill in some gaps in natural history. Penguin species have fossils dating back to the time of the dinosaurs and can tell a lot about the environment, past and present.

He said: “Finding fossils near where we live reminds us that we share our environment with animals from ancient generations.” Mike SaviPresident of the Hamilton Club of Young Naturalists, who oversaw all work since the discovery of the penguin fossil. “We must act” Defender – Defenders – If we want to see the continuation of this lineage in the future for this generation. “

A month after the discovery, the team returned to the site with equipment ranging from petrol-powered concrete trees and electric jackhammers to chisels and levers, and children and adults spent a day carving fossils out of the sand. Donated to the Waikato Museum. Waikato MuseumResearchers at the University of Massey and the Bruce Museum have begun exciting research into the fossil record.

Scientists have determined that the penguin is 27.3 to 34.6 million years old, and that most of Waikato came from underwater times. Daniel Thomas, Massey Associate Professor of Zoology at the College of Natural and Computational Sciences.

“Penguin looks like” The hand of the giant penguin Thomas said. That is why he was called வாவேர்வாThis is Maori for “long legs”. Having such long legs would have made this species taller than other ancient giant penguins, and they are estimated to be 1.6 meters long from foot to toe and 1.4 meters long when standing. It affects how fast you swim and how deep you swim.

Like giant penguins Foot diver Today we are bigger than any diving sparrow and we know that body size is an important factor when we think about the environment, ”said Safi. “How and why did the penguin become a giant and why are there no more giants? Well-preserved fossils like these can help answer these questions.

Not much is known about the existence of the giant penguin New ZealandIn particular, North Island data have long been limited to a few fragmented specimens. So adding this new information to the rich penguin fossil record provides insight into how penguins adapt and the art of adaptation.

The discovery that this fossil penguin is a new breed has also benefited the children of the Junior Hamilton Nature Club and will encourage other young people to integrate with nature.

Stephen Safi was 13 years old when he was discovered. “It’s amazing to know that the invention we discovered as children many years ago is contributing to today’s education. It’s a new race,” Safi said.