Most penguins live in Antarctica and their surroundings in the southern hemisphere. This means that they have to be able to survive in extreme cold conditions. The penguins have several adaptations that allow them to stay hot when temperatures collapse.
This simple scientific research uses a wax crayon to show how a hill coating acts as a water repellent.
Penguin adaptations
- The penguins produce oil from a gland near their tail that extended on their feathers. This gives the feathers a closed coating, which allows them to repel the water.
- The densely filled feathers trap the air, which acts as an insulator.
- A thick layer of fat.
- This very simple scientific activity demonstrates how the hill coating protects the extreme cold penguins from their surroundings.
Why don’t penguins freeze?
You will need
Pingüinos printable experiments sheet (or draw yours)
Wax crayons
Pen / tip pen
Coloring pencils
Water
Instructions
Collect a significant leaf penguin with wax crayon. This must be a thick lining, so check each area several times with the crayon.
Leave the second blank penguin. This is control.
Color the last two penguins with two other types of pen. The marker pens (felt tips) or color pencils work well.
Carefully place five drops of water in each penguin.
Look what happens to the water.
The wax crayon will repel the water. You should see water accounts in the colored penguin with crayons. The paper must absorb water for the other three penguins, since they do not have a waterproof coating.
Threats to penguins
Climate change and heating of the polar regions of the earth are a great threat to penguin populations. The melting of sea ice means that penguins are losing their natural habitat.
Fishing: overfishing in Antarctic regions has reduced food supply for penguins. They also run the risk of getting trapped in networks.
What is an adaptation?
Adaptations are characteristics that make an animal or plant very suitable for life in its environment.
Penguin adaptations
- Heavy and solid bones to allow them to remain under water.
- Two layers of feathers to catch the air for isolation.
- A thick layer of fat for insulation.
- Aerodynamic form for swimming.
- Strong claws and short legs to grab ice and rocks.
- Wings in the shape of a palette for swimming in water.
More scientific penguins activities
Experience firsthand why and How a thick layer of fat helps keep hot penguins.
Learn about him Effects of the fusion of polar ice caps With a practical manifestation.
Last update on January 17, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
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