The Penguin Invasion
A comprehensive infographic
A comprehensive infographic
Penguins have an impressive population that could seemingly overrun small countries in a heartbeat. In the Antarctic region alone, there are around 20 million penguins, whereas Malta, a small country, has only 500,000 residents. Every person in Malta would have to face off against 40 penguins!
Their poop is so potent that researchers have actually studied its trajectory! These 'poop cannons' don't discriminate—they'll even hit their neighboring roost mates who dare to set up camp too close!
Even in close-quarters combat, penguins are forces to be reckoned with. These creatures engage in intense close-range scuffles with their peers, employing a range of tactics including pecking, slapping, and pushing, showing no mercy in their interactions.
While not definitively proven to be orchestrated by penguins themselves, it appears they might have mastered the art of propaganda. Penguins seem to have infiltrated our children's media, portraying themselves as both adorable and clever. They've made notable appearances in various shows like 'Happy Feet,' 'Madagascar,' and 'Pingu'.
But fear not! The elite spies of the Humanity Defense Against Penguins have unearthed crucial information that could prove vital for our survival.
At first glance, the inside of a penguin's beak might seem threatening and ominous. But take a closer look, and you'll realize—penguins don't actually have teeth!
The spikes inside their mouths are similar to the papillae found on our tongues. So while a penguin bite might sting a bit, it's unlikely to cause serious harm. Their only tooth-like feature is the 'egg-tooth,' a small sharp point crucial for hatching out of their eggs. Penguins lose these egg teeth as they grow.
The unofficial title for the fastest penguin goes to the Gentoo penguin , clocking in at an impressive 22 mph—about five times faster than the fastest recorded 100-meter human sprint.
However, while their swimming abilities surpass ours by far, the same cannot be said for their land speed. Penguins' walking pace is relatively slow compared to an average human. On average, these waddlers move at about 1.5 mph, whereas even an average person in their 80s can walk at around 2 mph.
Despite their numerous natural strengths, modern penguins lack in one department: height. The tallest species of penguins, the emperor penguins, only reach an average height of about 120 cm.
To put it into perspective, that's just about the height of an average 6-year-old child! So, if you happen to be 120 cm or shorter, don't hesitate to grab a penguin costume and blend in—they might not even notice you among their ranks.
Here's a collection of some of the few penguins I came across in the 2nd half of 2023.
