00:00Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of Gentoo penguin on one of Earth's most remote islands.
00:06The new species was found on the Keragalan Islands, located nearly 2,000 miles from the nearest permanently inhabited landmass.
00:14Researchers used whole-genome sequencing from 64 penguins across 10 breeding colonies.
00:20Their analysis revealed that Gentoo penguins are actually made up of four genetically distinct species.
00:25The discovery settles a debate over Gentoo penguin classification that has lasted for more than a century.
00:32The newly identified southeastern Gentoo looks almost identical to other Gentoos, making it what scientists call a cryptic species.
00:40Researchers say the species evolved in isolation over roughly 300,000 to 500,000 years.
00:47But climate change could threaten the penguins living on isolated sub-Anarctic islands by reducing suitable habitat.
00:54Scientists say the new genomic data could help identify vulnerable populations and guide future conservation efforts.
01:01Disclosure, this video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
Comments