How Do Emperor Penguins Get Their Temperament?

Emperor penguins are the largest of all penguins and one of the most resilient species on the planet. Standing nearly 4 feet tall, the birds are most noted for their distinct tuxedo-like markings. Their hardy temperament is a direct result of the extreme environment in which they live.

  1. Climate

    • Emperor penguins make their home at sea for much of their life, but they spend the long, harsh Antarctic winters on the packed ice to breed. Between the frigid climate and extreme wind chills, temperatures on land can reach -140 F. Emperor penguins live in colonies that may relocate over time as the ice shifts and refreezes.

    Adaptations

    • Emperor penguins have developed several physical and behavioral adaptations to survive and thrive in the coldest climate on earth. They are streamlined for diving to depths of up to 900 feet, catching their prey (fish) and evading predators like the leopard seal. Their outer bodies are composed of a layer of blubber, downy feathers and an outer layer of waterproofed feathers. Emperor penguins also secrete oils to keep the frigid water off their bodies. On the winter ice, emperor penguins live in colonies and huddle together for warmth. In these large huddles, they alternate positions in the huddle to maximize the shared warmth.

    Lifestyle

    • Emperor penguins spend much of their life in the open sea hunting and surviving. As winter in the Antarctic approaches, the penguins begin congregating in colonies on the packed ice. They mate for life and will search for their partner, or, if their partner has died, will search for a new one. An emperor penguin female will mate and lay a single, large egg, which she promptly rolls to the male. The females then travel many miles -- sometimes up to 50 miles depending on the colony's location -- to hunt while the males keeps the eggs warm between their feet and a special fold of skin. The females will return in about two months when the chicks hatch, and both parents will take over its care. Six months later, the Antarctic summer begins, the chicks are full grown, and all the emperor penguins return to the sea.

    Temperament

    • Emperor penguins are an enduring species with a hardy, determined temperament. They make their homes in extreme climates and environments and use cooperative skills to breed, thrive and make the most of their species's adaptations.