QUESTION:
Why do penguins have wings, but don't fly?

        From Lincoln School

ANSWER from Steven Downey, Doctoral Student, University of Illinois
            Mon, 3 Mar 1997 11:50:27 -0500

Although modern day penguins can't fly, it is believed that there ancestors
could.  Some scientists believe penguins evolved from flying birds millions
of years ago.  This evolution is believed to have taken place during the
40+ million years Antarctica spent drifting southward towards it current
position.

While they can't fly through the air, penguins can "fly" through the water.
Using their wings for propulsion, penguins swim through the water at speeds
approaching 15 miles per hour.  The aerodynamic shape of their wings helps
the penguins maneuver in the water and cuts down on the amount of
resistance (drag) while they have their wings extended.

Thanks for your question!
Steven D.