Penguins have evolved from birds used to fly at some stage the penguin ancestors become increasingly adapted at swimming and lost the ability to fly in the trade-off they're short powerful wings make excellent flippers for flying underwater being less fragile and creating less drag than the long wings

of flying birds. The development of their unique flipper-like wings allowed penguins to become highly efficient swimmers, capable of diving deep and hunting for fish in the ocean.

Over time, penguins also developed streamlined bodies with thick layers of blubber to help them stay warm in the cold waters they inhabit. Their feet also evolved into webbed flippers, which aid in steering and propulsion while swimming.

Overall, the evolution of penguins from flying birds to expert swimmers has allowed them to thrive in their aquatic habitats, where they are uniquely suited to hunt for food and evade predators.