Emperor penguin - Revision history

Westarctica at 08:15, 12 March 2022

2022-03-12T08:15:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:15, 12 March 2022
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	The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the [[Antarctic Peninsula]].		The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the [[Antarctic Peninsula]].

	The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.		The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the [[Terra Nova Expedition]] in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.

	===Conservation status===		===Conservation status===

Westarctica: added category

2020-06-25T21:08:42Z

added category

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:08, 25 June 2020
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	[[File:Emperor Penguins-Snow Hill Island.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Adult and juvenile emperor penguins ]]		[[File:Emperor Penguins-Snow Hill Island.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Adult and juvenile emperor penguins ]]
	The '''emperor penguin''' (''Aptenodytes forsteri'') is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species and is endemic to [[Antarctica]]. The male and female are similar in plumage and size, reaching 122 cm (48 in) in height and weighing from 22 to 45 kg (49 to 99 lb). The dorsal side and head are black and sharply delineated from the white belly, pale-yellow breast and bright-yellow ear patches. Like all penguins it is flightless, with a streamlined body, and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat.		The '''emperor penguin''' (''Aptenodytes forsteri'') is the tallest and heaviest of all living [[penguin]] species and is endemic to [[Antarctica]]. The male and female are similar in plumage and size, reaching 122 cm (48 in) in height and weighing from 22 to 45 kg (49 to 99 lb). The dorsal side and head are black and sharply delineated from the white belly, pale-yellow breast and bright-yellow ear patches. Like all penguins it is flightless, with a streamlined body, and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat.

	Its diet consists primarily of fish, but can also include crustaceans, such as [[krill]], and cephalopods, such as squid. In hunting, the species can remain submerged up to 18 minutes, diving to a depth of 535 m (1,755 ft). It has several adaptations to facilitate this, including an unusually structured haemoglobin to allow it to function at low oxygen levels, solid bones to reduce barotrauma, and the ability to reduce its metabolism and shut down non-essential organ functions.		Its diet consists primarily of fish, but can also include crustaceans, such as [[krill]], and cephalopods, such as squid. In hunting, the species can remain submerged up to 18 minutes, diving to a depth of 535 m (1,755 ft). It has several adaptations to facilitate this, including an unusually structured haemoglobin to allow it to function at low oxygen levels, solid bones to reduce barotrauma, and the ability to reduce its metabolism and shut down non-essential organ functions.
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	[[Category:Animals of Westarctica]]		[[Category:Animals of Westarctica]]
	[[Category:Symbols of Westarctica]]		[[Category:Symbols of Westarctica]]
			[[Category:Featured Articles]]

Baron of Bastanchury: /* Distribution and habitat */

2018-10-03T12:43:17Z

Distribution and habitat

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 3 October 2018
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	==Distribution and habitat==		==Distribution and habitat==
	[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]		[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]
	The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the Dion Islands on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at Taylor Glacier in Victoria Land, and most recently one at Amundsen Bay. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.		The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Although they are known to hunt and swim around Westarctica, there are currently no known breeding colonies within the nation's borders. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the Dion Islands on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at Taylor Glacier in Victoria Land, and most recently one at Amundsen Bay. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.

	The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the Peninsula.		The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the [[Antarctic Peninsula]].

	The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.		The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.

Baron of Bastanchury: Reverted edits by Baron of Bastanchury (talk) to last revision by Westarctica

2018-05-21T04:12:17Z

Reverted edits by Baron of Bastanchury (talk) to last revision by Westarctica

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:12, 21 May 2018
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	===Adaptations to cold===		===Adaptations to cold===
	The emperor penguin breeds in the coldest environment of any bird species; air temperatures may reach −40 °C (−40 °F), and wind speeds may reach 144 km/h (89 mph). Water temperature is a frigid −1.8 °C (28.8 °F), which is much lower than the emperor penguin's average body temperature of 39 °C (102 °F). The species has adapted in several ways to counteract heat loss.[24] Feathers provide 80–90% of its insulation, and it has a layer of sub-dermal fat which may be up to 3 cm (1.2 in) thick before breeding. This resultant blubber layer impedes the mobility of emperor penguins on land compared to their less fat-insulated cousins, the Magellanic penguins.[26] While the density of contour feathers is approximately 9 per square centimeter (58 per square inch), a combination of dense afterfeathers and down feathers (plumules) likely ~~plays~~ a critical role for insulation. Muscles allow the feathers to be held erect on land, reducing heat loss by trapping a layer of air next to the skin. Conversely, the plumage is flattened in water, thus waterproofing the skin and the downy underlayer. Preening is vital in facilitating insulation and in keeping the plumage oily and water-repellent.		The emperor penguin breeds in the coldest environment of any bird species; air temperatures may reach −40 °C (−40 °F), and wind speeds may reach 144 km/h (89 mph). Water temperature is a frigid −1.8 °C (28.8 °F), which is much lower than the emperor penguin's average body temperature of 39 °C (102 °F). The species has adapted in several ways to counteract heat loss.[24] Feathers provide 80–90% of its insulation, and it has a layer of sub-dermal fat which may be up to 3 cm (1.2 in) thick before breeding. This resultant blubber layer impedes the mobility of emperor penguins on land compared to their less fat-insulated cousins, the Magellanic penguins.[26] While the density of contour feathers is approximately 9 per square centimeter (58 per square inch), a combination of dense afterfeathers and down feathers (plumules) likely play a critical role for insulation. Muscles allow the feathers to be held erect on land, reducing heat loss by trapping a layer of air next to the skin. Conversely, the plumage is flattened in water, thus waterproofing the skin and the downy underlayer. Preening is vital in facilitating insulation and in keeping the plumage oily and water-repellent.

	The emperor penguin is able to thermoregulate (maintain its core body temperature) without altering its metabolism, over a wide range of temperatures. Known as the thermoneutral range, this extends from −10 to 20 °C (14 to 68 °F). Below this temperature range, its metabolic rate increases significantly, although an individual can maintain its core temperature from 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) down to −47 °C (−53 °F). Movement by swimming, walking, and shivering are three mechanisms for increasing metabolism; a fourth process involves an increase in the breakdown of fats by enzymes, which is induced by the hormone glucagon. At temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F), an emperor penguin may become agitated as its body temperature and metabolic rate rise to increase heat loss. Raising its wings and exposing the undersides increases the exposure of its body surface to the air by 16%, facilitating further heat loss.		The emperor penguin is able to thermoregulate (maintain its core body temperature) without altering its metabolism, over a wide range of temperatures. Known as the thermoneutral range, this extends from −10 to 20 °C (14 to 68 °F). Below this temperature range, its metabolic rate increases significantly, although an individual can maintain its core temperature from 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) down to −47 °C (−53 °F). Movement by swimming, walking, and shivering are three mechanisms for increasing metabolism; a fourth process involves an increase in the breakdown of fats by enzymes, which is induced by the hormone glucagon. At temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F), an emperor penguin may become agitated as its body temperature and metabolic rate rise to increase heat loss. Raising its wings and exposing the undersides increases the exposure of its body surface to the air by 16%, facilitating further heat loss.

	===Adaptations to pressure and low oxygen===		===Adaptations to pressure and low oxygen===
	In addition to the cold, the emperor penguin encounters another stressful condition on deep dives—markedly increased pressure of up to 40 times that of the surface, which in most other terrestrial organisms would cause [[barotrauma]]. The bones of the penguin are solid rather than air-filled, which eliminates the risk of mechanical barotrauma.		In addition to the cold, the emperor penguin encounters another stressful condition on deep dives—markedly increased pressure of up to 40 times that of the surface, which in most other terrestrial organisms would cause barotrauma. The bones of the penguin are solid rather than air-filled, which eliminates the risk of mechanical barotrauma.

	While diving, the emperor penguin's oxygen use is markedly reduced, as its heart rate is reduced to as low as 15–20 beats per minute and non-essential organs are shut down, thus facilitating longer dives. Its haemoglobin and myoglobin are able to bind and transport oxygen at low blood concentrations; this allows the bird to function with very low oxygen levels that would otherwise result in loss of consciousness.		While diving, the emperor penguin's oxygen use is markedly reduced, as its heart rate is reduced to as low as 15–20 beats per minute and non-essential organs are shut down, thus facilitating longer dives. Its haemoglobin and myoglobin are able to bind and transport oxygen at low blood concentrations; this allows the bird to function with very low oxygen levels that would otherwise result in loss of consciousness.
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	==Distribution and habitat==		==Distribution and habitat==
	[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]		[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]
	The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the [[Dion Islands]] on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at [[Taylor Glacier]] in [[Victoria Land]], and most recently one at [[Amundsen Bay]]. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.		The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the Dion Islands on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at Taylor Glacier in Victoria Land, and most recently one at Amundsen Bay. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.

	The northernmost breeding population is on [[Snow Island]], near the northern tip of the ~~Arctic~~ Peninsula.		The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the Peninsula.

	The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.		The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.

Baron of Bastanchury: /* Distribution and habitat */ links

2018-05-21T04:11:18Z

Distribution and habitat: links

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:11, 21 May 2018
Line 35:		Line 35:
	==Distribution and habitat==		==Distribution and habitat==
	[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]		[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]
	The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the Dion Islands on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at Taylor Glacier in Victoria Land, and most recently one at Amundsen Bay. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.		The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the [[Dion Islands]] on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at [[Taylor Glacier]] in [[Victoria Land]], and most recently one at [[Amundsen Bay]]. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.

	The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the Peninsula.		The northernmost breeding population is on [[Snow Island]], near the northern tip of the Arctic Peninsula.

	The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.		The total population was estimated in 2009 to be at around 595,000 adult birds, in 46 known colonies spread around the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic; around 35% of the known population lives north of the [[Antarctic Circle]]. Colonies are known to fluctuate over time, often breaking into "suburbs" which move apart from the parent group, and some have been known to disappear entirely. The Cape Crozier colony on the Ross Sea dropped drastically in size between the first visits by the Discovery Expedition in 1902–03 and the later visits by the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910–11; it was reduced to a few hundred birds, and may have come close to extinction due to changes in the position of the ice shelf. By the 1960s it had rebounded dramatically, but by 2009 was again reduced to a small population of around 300.

Baron of Bastanchury: /* Adaptations to pressure and low oxygen */ link

2018-05-21T04:08:35Z

Adaptations to pressure and low oxygen: link

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:08, 21 May 2018
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	===Adaptations to pressure and low oxygen===		===Adaptations to pressure and low oxygen===
	In addition to the cold, the emperor penguin encounters another stressful condition on deep dives—markedly increased pressure of up to 40 times that of the surface, which in most other terrestrial organisms would cause barotrauma. The bones of the penguin are solid rather than air-filled, which eliminates the risk of mechanical barotrauma.		In addition to the cold, the emperor penguin encounters another stressful condition on deep dives—markedly increased pressure of up to 40 times that of the surface, which in most other terrestrial organisms would cause [[barotrauma]]. The bones of the penguin are solid rather than air-filled, which eliminates the risk of mechanical barotrauma.

	While diving, the emperor penguin's oxygen use is markedly reduced, as its heart rate is reduced to as low as 15–20 beats per minute and non-essential organs are shut down, thus facilitating longer dives. Its haemoglobin and myoglobin are able to bind and transport oxygen at low blood concentrations; this allows the bird to function with very low oxygen levels that would otherwise result in loss of consciousness.		While diving, the emperor penguin's oxygen use is markedly reduced, as its heart rate is reduced to as low as 15–20 beats per minute and non-essential organs are shut down, thus facilitating longer dives. Its haemoglobin and myoglobin are able to bind and transport oxygen at low blood concentrations; this allows the bird to function with very low oxygen levels that would otherwise result in loss of consciousness.

Baron of Bastanchury: /* Adaptations to cold */ s

2018-05-21T04:07:12Z

Adaptations to cold: s

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:07, 21 May 2018
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	===Adaptations to cold===		===Adaptations to cold===
	The emperor penguin breeds in the coldest environment of any bird species; air temperatures may reach −40 °C (−40 °F), and wind speeds may reach 144 km/h (89 mph). Water temperature is a frigid −1.8 °C (28.8 °F), which is much lower than the emperor penguin's average body temperature of 39 °C (102 °F). The species has adapted in several ways to counteract heat loss.[24] Feathers provide 80–90% of its insulation, and it has a layer of sub-dermal fat which may be up to 3 cm (1.2 in) thick before breeding. This resultant blubber layer impedes the mobility of emperor penguins on land compared to their less fat-insulated cousins, the Magellanic penguins.[26] While the density of contour feathers is approximately 9 per square centimeter (58 per square inch), a combination of dense afterfeathers and down feathers (plumules) likely ~~play~~ a critical role for insulation. Muscles allow the feathers to be held erect on land, reducing heat loss by trapping a layer of air next to the skin. Conversely, the plumage is flattened in water, thus waterproofing the skin and the downy underlayer. Preening is vital in facilitating insulation and in keeping the plumage oily and water-repellent.		The emperor penguin breeds in the coldest environment of any bird species; air temperatures may reach −40 °C (−40 °F), and wind speeds may reach 144 km/h (89 mph). Water temperature is a frigid −1.8 °C (28.8 °F), which is much lower than the emperor penguin's average body temperature of 39 °C (102 °F). The species has adapted in several ways to counteract heat loss.[24] Feathers provide 80–90% of its insulation, and it has a layer of sub-dermal fat which may be up to 3 cm (1.2 in) thick before breeding. This resultant blubber layer impedes the mobility of emperor penguins on land compared to their less fat-insulated cousins, the Magellanic penguins.[26] While the density of contour feathers is approximately 9 per square centimeter (58 per square inch), a combination of dense afterfeathers and down feathers (plumules) likely plays a critical role for insulation. Muscles allow the feathers to be held erect on land, reducing heat loss by trapping a layer of air next to the skin. Conversely, the plumage is flattened in water, thus waterproofing the skin and the downy underlayer. Preening is vital in facilitating insulation and in keeping the plumage oily and water-repellent.

	The emperor penguin is able to thermoregulate (maintain its core body temperature) without altering its metabolism, over a wide range of temperatures. Known as the thermoneutral range, this extends from −10 to 20 °C (14 to 68 °F). Below this temperature range, its metabolic rate increases significantly, although an individual can maintain its core temperature from 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) down to −47 °C (−53 °F). Movement by swimming, walking, and shivering are three mechanisms for increasing metabolism; a fourth process involves an increase in the breakdown of fats by enzymes, which is induced by the hormone glucagon. At temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F), an emperor penguin may become agitated as its body temperature and metabolic rate rise to increase heat loss. Raising its wings and exposing the undersides increases the exposure of its body surface to the air by 16%, facilitating further heat loss.		The emperor penguin is able to thermoregulate (maintain its core body temperature) without altering its metabolism, over a wide range of temperatures. Known as the thermoneutral range, this extends from −10 to 20 °C (14 to 68 °F). Below this temperature range, its metabolic rate increases significantly, although an individual can maintain its core temperature from 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) down to −47 °C (−53 °F). Movement by swimming, walking, and shivering are three mechanisms for increasing metabolism; a fourth process involves an increase in the breakdown of fats by enzymes, which is induced by the hormone glucagon. At temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F), an emperor penguin may become agitated as its body temperature and metabolic rate rise to increase heat loss. Raising its wings and exposing the undersides increases the exposure of its body surface to the air by 16%, facilitating further heat loss.

Westarctica: /* National Symbol of Westarctica */

2018-05-13T17:34:57Z

National Symbol of Westarctica

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 13 May 2018
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	==National Symbol of Westarctica==		==National Symbol of Westarctica==
	As the national symbol of [[Westarctica]], the emperor penguin has been used in many ways as a representation of Westarctica's solitary dominance over the icy realm of western [[Antarctica]].		As the [[National Symbols of Westarctica\|national symbol]] of [[Westarctica]], the emperor penguin has been used in many ways as a representation of Westarctica's solitary dominance over the icy realm of western [[Antarctica]]. It appears on many of the nation's [[Stamps of Westarctica\|stamps]] and [[Coins of Westarctica\|coins]] as well as on the [[Crown Jewels of Westarctica\|Seal of the Grand Duke]]

Westarctica at 01:17, 29 April 2018

2018-04-29T01:17:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:17, 29 April 2018
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	==Distribution and habitat==		==Distribution and habitat==
	[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]		[[File:Empereur ranges.png\|thumb\|right\|Emperor penguin range. Breeding areas in green]]
	The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[~~icebergs~~]] shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the Dion Islands on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at Taylor Glacier in Victoria Land, and most recently one at Amundsen Bay. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.		The emperor penguin has a circumpolar distribution in the [[Antarctica\|Antarctic]] almost exclusively between the 66° and 77° south latitudes. It almost always breeds on stable [[pack ice]] near the coast and up to 18 km (11 mi) offshore. Breeding colonies are usually located in areas where ice cliffs and [[iceberg]]s shelter them from the wind. Three land colonies have been reported: one (now disappeared) on a shingle spit at the Dion Islands on the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], one on a headland at Taylor Glacier in Victoria Land, and most recently one at Amundsen Bay. Since 2009, a number of colonies have been reported on [[ice-shelf\|shelf ice]] rather than sea ice, in some cases moving to the shelf in years when sea ice forms late.

	The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the Peninsula.		The northernmost breeding population is on Snow Island, near the northern tip of the Peninsula.

Westarctica at 04:26, 24 April 2018

2018-04-24T04:26:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:26, 24 April 2018
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	===Predators===		===Predators===
	The emperor penguin's predators include birds and aquatic mammals. [[Southern giant ~~petrels~~]] are the predominant land predator of chicks, responsible for up to 34% of chick deaths in some colonies though they often scavenge dead penguins as well. The [[south polar skua]] mainly scavenges for dead chicks, as the live chicks are too large to be attacked by the time of its annual arrival in the colony. Occasionally, a parent may defend their chick from attack, although it may be more passive if the chick is sickly.		The emperor penguin's predators include birds and aquatic mammals. [[Southern giant petrel]]s are the predominant land predator of chicks, responsible for up to 34% of chick deaths in some colonies though they often scavenge dead penguins as well. The [[south polar skua]] mainly scavenges for dead chicks, as the live chicks are too large to be attacked by the time of its annual arrival in the colony. Occasionally, a parent may defend their chick from attack, although it may be more passive if the chick is sickly.

	The only known predators thought to attack healthy adults, and who attack emperor penguins in the water, are both mammals. The first is the [[leopard seal]]), which takes some adult birds, as well as fledglings soon after they enter the water. [[Orca\|Orcas]], mostly take adult birds, although they will attack penguins of any age in or near water.		The only known predators thought to attack healthy adults, and who attack emperor penguins in the water, are both mammals. The first is the [[leopard seal]]), which takes some adult birds, as well as fledglings soon after they enter the water. [[Orca\|Orcas]], mostly take adult birds, although they will attack penguins of any age in or near water.