2007-01-05 02:54:58 · 17 answers · asked by nicola b 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
It's mainly due to the counter-current heat exchange system. this means that warm blood pumped through the arteries into the legs warms up the cold blood being pumped back into the body, this significantly reduces heat loss, even tough the flippers are very cold they are never allowed to go below freezing and with this system they barely affect their core body temperature. As well, the muscles that control the legs and feet are located in well insulated areas to avoid freezing and the flippers and feet are controlled by tendons. However if it is extremely cold they can simply bring their legs up into the feathers to keep them warm.
2007-01-05 06:33:21 · answer #1 · answered by crazy.carabid 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Penguins are able to control the flow of blood to their feet. In cold weather the flow is reduced and the temperature of the feet is held just a degree or two above freezing to prevent frost bite and reduce heat loss. 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.
2016-05-23 05:55:26 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. Have you ever slept under a "Down-comforter" well if not, it's VERY warm. The inner feathers of a bird are very thick and warm. When the penguin sits down his feet are protected from the freezing temperatures.
Probably gives reason to why they walk the way they do, less time for the air to hit their feet if they stay close to the ground (while standing) and sway while walking.
Hope that helps.
2007-01-05 04:23:05 · answer #3 · answered by sno 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Only 2 of the 18 species of penguin have this problem. The other 16 species have never seen an iceberg in their lives!
Their downy feathers and abundant blood vessels in their feet keep them warm enough not to stick.
2007-01-05 04:46:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
penguins feet does not freeze because they have natural antifreeze in their bodies just like some fishes living in the Attic .
and also like the husky.
2007-01-08 23:14:15 · answer #5 · answered by rontujnr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their blood keeps the temperature of their feet just above freezing temperature.
2007-01-05 02:59:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Thay have natural antifreeze within there feet
2007-01-08 06:02:31 · answer #7 · answered by robbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are designed to adapt to thier environment.
Thier feet have really thick soles.
2007-01-06 12:08:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/proj/penguins/main.html
2007-01-05 03:36:39 · answer #9 · answered by rives 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Buy this book
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Dont-Penguins-Feet-Freeze/dp/1861978766/sr=8-1/qid=1168012621/ref=pd_ka_1/202-2353361-5488627?ie=UTF8&s=books
It will tell you
2007-01-05 02:57:33 · answer #10 · answered by king_badger 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋