Penguin Adaptations
Learning Objective
I can describe the physical and behavioral adaptations that allow penguins to survive in their environment.
Key Concepts
Penguins have adapted to thrive in harsh conditions by trading flight for mastery of the water, becoming powerful swimmers.
Penguins stay warm in icy waters due to their dense feathers, a layer of blubber, and a special adaptation called counter-current heat exchange.
Penguin plumage uses countershading as camouflage, with a black back to blend with the ocean depths from above and a white underside to blend with the bright surface from below.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 10 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. Name three physical adaptations that help penguins survive in cold environments.
2. How do penguins' wings help them survive?
3. What is countershading and how does it help penguins survive?
...and 7 more questions
Educational Video
The Fascinating World of Penguins: Kings of the Cold ⎮ Subtitles Available in “All Languages”
Alex Studio: Discover & Learn