They use their feathers
They use their feathers. Not only can feathers keep a penguin warm, they can also keep one cool. This is because, unlike fur, they can be puffed out for ventilation. With their feathers puffed up, penguins can increase the space in between each feather. This allows the cooler air to reach their skin when there is a breeze. Breezes are common, of course, since they live so close to the ocean.
They circulate blood
They circulate blood. This may sound gross, but it really isn't that out of the ordinary. The penguins send blood to areas of their bodies that are not covered in feathers via an ingrained biological process that has protected their species. These feather-free areas can include their faces, feet and flippers. This keeps the feathered parts, which are apt to be warmer, fairly cool. (Think of your fingers on a winter's day and how cold they get unless you rub them together to boost your circulation to warm them up.) A side effect of this recirculation process is that it gives the penguin a pink complexion due to the pooled blood in its face.
They pant
Since they are birds, penguins can't sweat. But they do copy the cooling off strategy of another familiar animal: the family dog. They have been known to pant when they are hot to release some of the warmth from their bodies. With each pant, some of it can be released from their mouths.
They get wet
If all else fails, they can always jump in the water. Its temperature will invariably be cooler than on land. (You will know this if you've ever taken a trip to the ocean and gotten a cold shock when you stepped into the water.) It's also a very safe way to cool off since all penguins are adept swimmers. Their instincts kick in shortly after they are born.
Related posts
Avoid damage to televisions and other electronic pieces by storing and caring for them properly.Electronic components, such as those found in desk top or laptop computers, televisions or stereos,...
Step 1How to Keep Tattoos From Fading. There's nothing like a fresh piece of body art--the colors are so crisp and bright. Unfortunately, many people will notice their tattoo has faded over time a...
Birds are nice to see in the yard. But, sometimes, they can get out of hand and start pooping on porch columns. Bird excrement is very corrosive, so it's good to keep them off the porch columns, y...
Students love making cool stuff in school.When you think of making stuff in school, clay models and paper mache crafts come to mind. These creations are fun to make, but not the kind of pieces you...
Keep your dog's ribbon in place with unnoticeable grooming bands.Whatever the occasion, your dog can make a fashion statement by wearing ribbons in its hair. One of the requirements for a successf...
