Assessment Resource Banks

Emperor penguins in Antarctica

This task is about making inferences about how features of a penguin help it survive in Antarctica.

Emperor penguins have special physical and behavioural features that help them survive in cold climates, e.g., Antarctica.

For the following questions, explain how each adaptive feature helps the penguin keep warm in a very cold climate.

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
i) Layer of blubber

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
ii) Feathers are short and overlap to keep water out

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
iii) Underneath the outer feathers is a layer of down

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
iv) Large body size

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
v) Huddle together in groups

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
vi) Take turns to be on the outside of the group

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
vii) Can balance on the backs of their heels and tails

Adaptive Feature	How it helps the penguin survive
viii) Feathers cover their knees