Phylogenies
This
tree includes the different species of birds and their tree of
evolution. It is believed that the birds share a common ancestor
with the reptiles and their lineage can also be traced back to
the dinosaurs. The class of aves is charaterized by
feathers and a beak with no teeth as well as laying hard shelled
eggs. They also have four chambered hearts like mammals.
The majority of birds have the ability of flight but some such
are penguins are more adapted for swimming in the water. The Eudyptes schlegeli
belongs in the penguin group of this phylogenic tree. The
closest relatives of the penguin are the
Loon and the Albatross. Other examples of birds on this
phylogeny are ducks, such as the
Mallard and
Wood
Duck, and the Owls, such as the
Barred
Owl as well as the
Rainbow Lorikeet which is part of the parrots.
This phylogeny shows the genetic tree of all the different penguin species. A small genus is the Eudyputula which only contains the Eudyputula minor or Little Blue Penguin. They are most similar to the extinct ancestors of modern penguins, and were the first to break off in the phylogenic tree unlong with its closest relatives, the Sphenicus or “Tuxedo Penguins”. This name comes from the black band of feathers on all of their chests resemble a bowtie. Examples of this genus of penguin are the Humboldt, Magellanic and Galapagos Penguins. Pygoscelis are the stiff tailed penguins and are more closely related to the Eudyptes schlegeli. This genus of penguin prefers colder environments than their other penguin relatives. Examples of this genus of penguin are the Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins. Another genus of penguin is the Aptenodytes which include the King and Emporer Penguins which are most closely realted to the Pygoscelis genus. They are characterized by being the largest in size of all the genus of penguins, as well as their orange pacthes of feathers on their necks. The Eudyptes schlegeli belong to the third genus: Eudyptes, or crested penguins, which are characterized by their yellow hair. The most closely related penguin to the Royal Penguin is the Eudyptes chrysolophus or better known as the famous Macaroni Penguin. Another small genus is the Megadyptes which only contains the Yellow Eyed Penguin and is most closely related to the Eudyptes.