A group of Argentine researchers has found the remains of a giant fossil penguin in the Antarctic Peninsula. According to estimates, the animal would be about 34 million years old and measure about two meters, making it the tallest known to date.
This giant of the past lived in Antarctica during the Upper Eocene and coexisted with up to ten different species of penguins. This data suggests that during that time there were the most suitable conditions for the expansion of these birds, which would be found on the frozen continent with an optimal environment and without many marine animals with which to compete for food . The bones of the new specimen found indicate that, like its relatives, the animal had a great diving capacity.
The specimen found was tall, and also had a very robust bone and muscle structure. Estimates of its size have been made from the coracoid , a bone that is part of the shoulder girdle. “It is possible to imagine that it measured much more than two meters,” explains Carolina Acosta, head of the study, to the CTyS agency, “but we do not have so many elements to risk a larger measure.” In the same way, the researchers affirm that they do not have enough data to define whether the fossil found belongs to a genus of penguins already described, or whether it is a new species.
During the next campaign, which will take place in the Antarctic summer, scientists will explore the Plateau in search of new skeletons that will allow them to complete the information on the eating habits and way of life of this unknown fossil giant.
