采用解剖学方法对1只雄性洪氏环企鹅(Spheniscus humboldti)骨骼系统进行了详细的观察、描述。结果表明:企鹅骨骼结实、沉重不充气;喙长,前端略下弯,颞部呈深凹陷状;肩胛骨及胸骨龙骨突发达;胸椎不愈合;前肢骨骼扁平,特化为鳍状,翼内关节活动性较小,第一掌骨及拇指消失;髌骨发达,跗跖骨短而宽扁。这些特征主要体现了洪氏环企鹅对海中潜水、游泳、取食以及陆地直立的适应。
The skeletal system of a male Humboldt Penguin ( Spheniscus humboldti ) was described in details. It' s characterized by the following:bones are heavy and not pneumatic; bill is elongated and heavy, with the anterior end curving downward slightly; scapula is greatly extended; thoracic vertebrae are free; keel is prominent; forelimb specializes as a "flipper" and all skeletons are flattened; mobility of the intrinsic wing is restricted; first metacarpus and first manual digit disappear; patella large and strong ; tarsometatarsus short and flat. These features are mainly designed for underwater flight and upright stand.