A study identifies key genes that enable penguins to survive extreme environments — but also shows they evolve slower as it gets warmer.
It is not certain yet whether penguins can enjoy salt or sour flavours, even if they have genes that suggest they do.
The rare Tawaki penguin only lives in New Zealand and travels almost all the way to Antarctica, covering almost 8,000 kilometres in eight weeks. "I think what's really cool about this study is it shows us, in the genomic work, the actual changes in the genes that make this sort of lifestyle possible."And, like others, she welcomed the analysis of penguin evolution over time.
Dr Subramanian said while some species have previously moved further south during warming periods, they could only go so far.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why a 2020s rerun of the Roaring Twenties remains wishful thinking | Larry ElliottThe 1920s also began dismally. But for a fourth industrial revolution to happen, much more has to be done
Read more »
Readers reply: why is listening to music pleasant?The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
Read more »
Why you don't have to jump the gun to be disqualified for a false startDevon Allen was trying to lock up a hurdles world title before starting his NFL career, but he was shown the door at the start line of the final despite not leaving his blocks early.
Read more »
Why ANZ’s $4.5b MYOB acquisition plan always looked a non-starterOPINION: ANZ’s pursuit of Suncorp gave it a nice reason to pull the pin on a planned $4.5 billion deal for MYOB that had already caused a fair share of raised eyebrows.
Read more »
Why a desperate China has backflipped on Australian coalWith China's economy in danger of going off the rails, Beijing no longer can afford to inflict upon itself the kind of self-harm its trade sanctions have wreaked, writes Ian Verrender.
Read more »