Scientists say these penguins are actually 4 different species

Penguin problems See if you can tell the difference between these 4 species of penguin. by JoAnna Wendel November 10, 2020 Shutterstock

Shutterstock The world just gained 3 more penguin species.

Shutterstock According to a new paper in Evolution and Ecology , what was thought as a single species — Gentoo penguins — should actually be classified as four species .

These four populations live on the South Shetland islands in Antarctica, The Falkland Islands and South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean, and the Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean. Gemma Clucas

Shutterstock The team looked at the genomes of different Gentoo populations, and compared their physical characteristics.

Shutterstock They found that the four populations are genetically distinct enough to be deemed separate species.

Shutterstock These penguins could easily swim the distances that separate them, but the researchers say that their geographical separation stops them interbreeding.

One of the species lives in Antarctica and while the other three live in more northern, milder climates. So it makes sense that they have adapted to different habitats, the researchers say . Gemma Clucas

Shutterstock Understanding the biological differences between the 4 populations can help with conservation efforts, the researchers say.

Shutterstock If there’s a decline in one of the populations, it could get an official "threatened" status.

Shutterstock But before the new species designations are accepted, the team’s work must be reviewed by an international panel of experts.

Scientists say these penguins are actually 4 different species

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