Are Penguins Native to New Zealand and Antarctica?

[chhitiz]

alright, i just read about the 'yellow eyed penguin' that lives in new zealand, and i am wondering how it is possible? how can two genes of same species develop on opposite corners of the world? were new zealand and antartica next to each other in pangea?

 

[SW VandeCarr]

alright, i just read about the 'yellow eyed penguin' that lives in new zealand, and i am wondering how it is possible? how can two genes of same species develop on opposite corners of the world? were new zealand and antartica next to each other in pangea?

New Zealand and Antarctica were both part of Gowandaland, the southern supercontinent that resulted from the breakup of Pangea. I wouldn't be surprised if penguins once also lived in Australia before it became too warm for them as Australia drifted north.

 

[chhitiz]

now that i am sober that seemed like a dumb question to ask.

 

[SW VandeCarr]

now that i am sober that seemed like a dumb question to ask.

No it wasn't.