20. Penguins Don’t Fall Backwards by Looking Up
Speaking of birds, who does not love penguins? Unlike other birds, whose bones are hollow to allow them to fly through the air, penguin bones are solid so that they can glide through the water! Moreover, their distinctive “tuxedo” markings are actually a form of camouflage to protect them when they dive. Their dark backs, which are visible from above, blend in with the dark ocean floor beneath them (via Business Insider). Their white bellies, visible from below, mimic the brightness coming in from the sun. Penguins live in groups known as “waddles” (how cute is that?!). A waddle can consist of hundreds and hundreds of birds.
A myth begins around World War II, suggesting that if a penguin looks up to view an aircraft, it will fall over backward (via Independent). The story started when World War II pilots flying over Antarctica claimed they saw penguins falling over, but scientific attempts to prove the story true have all come up negative. It is easy to debunk these myths. Why? Because they are perfectly capable of remaining firmly on the ground with a sure footing. There is, however, a perfect reason why airplanes should not fly low where there are penguins gathered. The sound of the plane will scare the penguins and make them leave their nests.