2006-09-07 14:45:14 · 7 answers · asked by Suhaib A 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The number of extant species has been and still is a matter of debate. The numbers of penguin species listed in the literature vary between 16 and 19 species. Some sources consider the White-Flippered Penguin a separate Eudyptula species, although today it is generally considered a subspecies of the Little penguin (e.g. Williams, 1995; Davis & Renner, 2003). Similarily, it is still unclear whether the Royal Penguin is merely a colour morph of the Macaroni penguin. Also possibly eligible to be treated as a separate species is the Northern population of Rockhopper penguins (Davis & Renner, 2003). Although all penguin species are native to the southern hemisphere, they are not, contrary to popular belief, found only in cold climates, such as Antarctica. In fact, only a few species of penguin actually live so far south. Three species live in the tropics; one lives as far north as the Galápagos Islands (the Galápagos Penguin) and will occasionally cross the equator while feeding.
The largest species is the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri): adults average about 1.1 meters (3 ft 7 in) tall and weigh 35 kilograms (75 lb) or more. The smallest penguin species is the Little Blue Penguin (also known as the Fairy Penguin), which stands around 40 cm tall (16 in) and weighs 1 kilogram (2.2 lb). Generally larger penguins retain heat better, and thus inhabit colder regions, while smaller penguins are found in temperate or even tropical climates.
2006-09-07 15:01:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As already mentioned, they have an extraordinary protective layer of fat and very specialized feathers with specialized secretions on them. They provide remarkable insulation against the cold.
2006-09-07 21:58:31 · answer #2 · answered by Gene Guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Babies cling to their parents feet. Parents face away from the wind. Fat and really good insulating feathers (yup, penguins have them) reduce heat loss.
2006-09-07 21:48:52 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basic Instinct.
2006-09-08 00:15:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they also stay together when there not in the water to keep each other warm. kinda like being in a small room with a lot of people.
2006-09-07 21:58:07 · answer #5 · answered by crystalnightwater 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cirric is right it is fat/blubber and feathers. All birds have feathers to keep them warm
2006-09-07 21:51:40 · answer #6 · answered by zombiepirate_13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Body fat...from fish oil...
2006-09-08 01:18:57 · answer #7 · answered by Mimi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋