1. Physical characteristics • Black and white color scheme: The back is black and the belly is white, which creates a natural camouflage effect and helps to avoid predators in the ocean. • A variety of sizes: From small blue penguins (about 40 cm tall) to large emperor penguins (up to 120 cm tall). • Bright markings: Some species (such as king penguins and emperor penguins) have bright yellow or orange markings on the head, neck or chest. • Short wings: The wings have evolved into streamlined fins, which are used for swimming in water rather than flying. 2. Behavioral characteristics • Flightless: Although they are birds, they cannot fly because their wings have evolved into fins, and their specialty is swimming. • Excellent swimmers: They swim fast in the water, up to 36 kilometers per hour, and feed on fish, krill and squid. • Upright walking: Penguins walk on land with an awkward swaying step, and sometimes glide on their bellies ("penguin skiing").