article_snippet: It has baffled scientists for years - why the penguin waddles in such a distinctive manner.
article_snippet: Now, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of the waddle - and find out how it evolved .
article_snippet: Using a special motion detecting 'catwalk' Professor Hutchison and paleobiologist James Proffitt have been measuring how the penguins on their custom catwalk apply forces on the left and right legs as the penguins on their custom catwalk waddle.
article_snippet: Researchers also filmed the walk in slow motion, and are looking for the forces the birds excert, how the forces the birds excert breaks down between each leg and what the biomechanics of that are.
article_snippet: Prof John Hutchison from the RVC said: 'The upright posture and waddling gait of penguins is not often seen in other birds. '
article_snippet: Using a special motion detecting 'catwalk' Professor Hutchison and paleobiologist James Proffitt have been measuring how the penguins on their custom catwalk apply forces on the left and right legs as the penguins on their custom catwalk waddle. '
article_snippet: We're trying to understand the minute detail of how waddling works with living penguins, and then taking that back in time, looking at the fossil record of penguins to understand how evolving for such a specialised underwater lifestyle has affected penguins ability to move on land,' said James Proffitt. '
article_snippet: James Proffitt were looking for the forces the penguins on their custom catwalk exert, how it breaks down between each leg and what the biomechanics of that are.' '
article_snippet: But to know how the penguins on their custom catwalk evolved to be like this is very important.'
highlights_snippet: Hope Researchers at London Zoo will give new insight into how the penguin evolved unique walk .