Spheniscidae (family)
Spheniscidae refers to the family of birds known as penguins. These flightless birds inhabit the southern hemisphere and are classified under the order Sphenisciformes. The family Spheniscidae includes all existing penguin species, both living and extinct. There are seventeen to eighteen species (the exact number is disputed by taxonomists) and six genera within this family, distinguished by physical characteristics, range, and behavior.[1] Some notable penguin genera include Aptenodytes, which includes the Emperor and King Penguins, and Eudyptes, which encompasses Rockhopper, Macaroni, and related penguins.[2] Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere.[3]