Question

The flightless bird with forelimbs modified as paddle-like structures suited for swimming is known as:

• A. Aptenodytes
• B. Neophron
• C. Psittacula
• D. Struthio

Hint:

Logic Tip: Always memorize common and scientific names in pairs for the Animal Kingdom.
Aptenodytes = Penguin (Swimmer)
Struthio = Ostrich (Runner)
Neophron = Vulture (Scavenger)
Psittacula = Parrot (Arboreal)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
In the class Aves (Birds), some members have secondarily lost the ability to fly. Their physical structures have adapted to their specific environments. A classic adaptation for aquatic birds is the modification of wings (forelimbs) into flippers or paddles to maneuver efficiently underwater.
Step 1:
The question describes a bird that is flightless and has forelimbs modified into "paddle-like structures suited for swimming". This is the defining characteristic of penguins.
Step 2:
Aptenodytes is the genus name for great penguins (like the Emperor penguin). They are flightless marine birds whose wings have evolved into stiff, flat, paddle-like flippers for swimming. This matches the description perfectly.
Step 3:
Neophron is the scientific name for the Egyptian vulture. It is a scavenging bird of prey that is fully capable of flight.
Step 4:
Psittacula is the genus name for certain parrots (like the Rose-ringed parakeet). They are arboreal birds with typical wings capable of flight.
Step 5:
Struthio is the scientific name for the Ostrich. While it is a flightless bird, its forelimbs are not modified into paddles for swimming. Instead, its hindlimbs are heavily modified for high-speed running on land.
Step 6:
Therefore, Aptenodytes is the correct classification for the described aquatic flightless bird.