Emperor Penguins Latest News
Recently, a study revealed that emperor penguins are the iconic species threatened by climate change in Antarctica.Â
About Emperor Penguins
- Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest penguin alive today.
- They evolved about one million years ago, and are highly adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
- Distribution: They are found throughout the Antarctic continent and sub-Antarctic islands.
- Breeding: In breeding months (April to November), emperor penguin colonies are found between 66° and 78° south latitude along the Antarctic coastline.
- Habitat: It is the most ice-adapted of any penguin species, inhabiting pack ice and surrounding marine areas. They spend their entire lives on Antarctic ice and in its waters.
Features of Emperor Penguins
- Adults are coloured black and white with areas of orange and yellow on the head, neck, and breast.Â
- They gain and lose weight rapidly during breeding and feeding seasons. On average, females tend to weigh less than males.
- They have two layers of feathers, a good reserve of fat, and proportionally smaller beaks and flippers than other penguins to prevent heat loss.
- They also huddle close together in large groups to keep themselves and each other warm.
- They are capable of diving to depths of approximately 550 metres (1,800 feet) in search of food; they are the world’s deepest-diving birds.
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
Source: DTE
Emperor Penguins FAQs
Q1: What are Penguins?
Ans: Penguins are flightless birds with flippers instead of wings. Their bodies are adapted for swimming and diving in the water. Penguins are only found in the Southern Hemisphere. The greatest concentrations are on Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands.
Q2: What Is Climate Change?
Ans: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions.
