Friday, March 20, 2009

Reflective Journal 3

When one thinks of Antarctic wildlife, penguins are often the first animals that come to mind. Indeed these graceful, yet comical creatures are considered by many to be the signature species of the polar south. Some penguin species live as far north as the Galapagos Islands on the Equator and the subtropical coasts of South America, South Africa and Australia.
Though they are feathered they spend most of their lives at sea and must return to land to mate and lay eggs. On land, they either waddle on their feet or slide on their bellies.
Of the 17 species of penguins, only four breed on the Antarctic continent itself: the Adelie, the Emperor, the Chinstrap and the Gentoo penguins. Penguins are true flightless birds.To withstand the harsh conditions of the Antarctic, their bodies are insulated by a thick layer of blubber and a dense network of waterproof plumage.
Penguins also have natural predators such as leopards,seals,sharks and sea lions.
But, unfortunately, we humans, are the main predators ,responsible for the death of many penguins.

Source:
http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/wildlife/penguins/index.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penguins http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/penguins/penguins.html

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