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Emperor Penguin Research Paper

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The emperor penguin has multiple adaptations that has allowed it to survive in the harsh winters of Antarctica and pass on their genes to the next generation. Physical, behavioral, and morphological features that have developed throughout the evolution of a penguin to make it into what it is today. When looking at the physical features of a penguin, there are many characteristics that enable it to survive. Webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and flipper like wings, contribute to their ability to live in the water for most of their life. The ancestors of the penguins developed special joints to enable it to swim instead of fly. Penguins are also able to dive 1700m underwater while holding their breath for over 15 minutes to help them …show more content…

For instance, they huddle together while rotating members into the middle, during antarctic winter storms to keep warm. Small actions, such as sliding on their belly can conserve energy which could make a large difference when food is scarce. Some penguins practise moving their egg from one to the other to decrease the chance of losing the baby. Every year all the emperor penguins gather in the same area to mate and raise their offspring. This makes it easier to find potential mates and last through the winter. The place where they gather is somewhere far away from the ocean with thick ice to protect from underwater predators. Large mountains of rock, ice and snow, which gives the tiniest of shelter from the winter storms, could make the difference between life and death. To give the new generation the best chance at survival, certain adaptations were given to both parents and …show more content…

The emperor penguins breed and lay their eggs just before the harsh winter, so the young are old enough to transition into independence during summer-when food is most abundant. Special flaps of skin just above the penguins feet, create a warm pocket for the offsprings to develop and incubate. However, the most amazing feature of the penguins, is the dedication of the parents to nurture their

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