Why aren't penguins cold? (It's not their feathers that keep them warm.)
It seems that their thick plumage protects penguins from Antarctic temperatures down to -60°C. But this is not true! The main secret is a special layer of fat, which reaches …
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- A Documentary short rated 9.6 — easy to watch in 1m.
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It seems that their thick plumage protects penguins from Antarctic temperatures down to -60°C. But this is not true! The main secret is a special layer of fat, which reaches up to 3 centimeters in thickness in the Emperor penguin, the largest species living in Antarctica.
This fat makes up to 30% of the body weight of an adult, such as the Adélie penguin, helping them survive in water temperatures as low as -2°C. The thick layer acts as an excellent insulator, creating a barrier between the cold external environment and the body's warmth.
Feathers are also important, but in a different way. They fit tightly, forming a waterproof barrier that prevents the fat layer from getting wet. The Gentoo penguin has up to 70 feathers per square centimeter! This is several times denser than most flying birds, such as seagulls.
Their paws and wings remain cool thanks to a unique circulatory system called the "miraculous net." Warm arterial blood transfers heat to cold venous blood, returning to the body cooled. This minimizes heat loss through exposed limbs in icy water.
So, it's not just fat and feathers, but also thermoregulation! Penguins often huddle together in colonies, such as on South Georgia Island, to conserve heat, surviving even the harshest storms. That's why these amazing birds thrive in Antarctica's harsh conditions!
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