How do penguins slide so perfectly on ice?

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00:00Penguins slide smoothly on ice using a behavior called tobogganing. They lie on their bellies

00:06and use their flipper-like wings and feet to push themselves forward while gliding across the ice.

00:12This method is not only energy efficient, but also faster than walking, especially over long

00:18distances in harsh Antarctic conditions. Their bodies are perfectly adapted for this. Penguins

00:24have a streamlined shape and dents, smooth feathers that reduce friction and insulate against the

00:30cold. Additionally, they secrete a special oil from a gland near their tails to waterproof and

00:36lubricate their feathers, further minimizing drag. Their strong chest muscles and solid bone structure

00:43help them maintain balance and momentum while sliding. Tobogganing helps penguins conserve energy,

00:49escape predators quickly, and travel efficiently between their nesting grounds and the sea.

00:54It's a brilliant example of how evolution has shaped them for survival in one of the planet's

01:00most extreme environments.