2006-09-26 07:43:11 · 14 answers · asked by GARRETH S 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Penguins have specially adapted blood vessels in their feet to help them cope with standing on cold ice.
The blood vessels supply just enough heat to prevent the penguins freezing to the ice, while at the same time keeping the heat loss to a minimum.
The blood vessels carrying warm blood to the feet are intertwined with those carrying the cold blood back from the feet - in this way the returning blood is warmed and that going to the feet is cooled - thus reducing the overall heat loss.
:-)
2006-09-26 07:47:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The system that stops a penguin's foot from freezing is very elaborate and sophisticated and employs two mechanisms.
The first one allows the penguin to control the rate of blood flowing to its feet by varying the diameter of arterial vessels supplying the blood. In cold conditions the flow is reduced, when it is warm the flow increases.
The second mechanism takes the form of 'counter current heat exchangers' at the top of the legs. The arteries, which supply warm blood and oxygen to the penguin's feet break up into many small vessels which are closely linked to similar numbers of venous vessels bringing cold blood back from the feet. So, when heat is lost from the arterial vessels, the venous vessels running in the opposite direction pick it up and carry it back through the body, rather than out through the feet. This means that in the very remote regions of the skin, cells get oxygen but heat isn't lost through this skin.
2006-09-27 06:26:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love penguins!!
I think their feet are cold resistant or something (not very scientific I know!) cos they keep their babies on them!
Maybe they have little penguin boots on?!
2006-09-26 14:55:38 · answer #3 · answered by No_More_Drama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They drink anti-freeze!
2006-09-26 15:40:47 · answer #4 · answered by Wizzy Woman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
perhaps they do, but who's he gonna complain to, The guy next door to him has frozen feet also.
2006-09-27 07:45:27 · answer #5 · answered by Arnie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they dont have feet the have leather feet lol
2006-09-26 14:49:53 · answer #6 · answered by chass_lee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but if you buy the book and find out then would you tell me too?
2006-09-26 14:45:59 · answer #7 · answered by neogriff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they've got their skis and ankle warmers on.
2006-09-26 16:21:29 · answer #8 · answered by Princess415 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it has something to do with the circulation in their bodies
hope this helps a little
2006-09-30 14:18:55 · answer #9 · answered by Meg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they will if u put them in the freezer!!!
i keep mine in the fridge
2006-09-26 14:54:24 · answer #10 · answered by howaytheladlee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋