Why do penguins huddle together?
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Transcript
Why do penguins huddle together? Let's wonder!
Penguins live where the air can be very cold and windy. Their thick feathers help keep warm air close to their bodies.
When penguins stand close together, less cold wind reaches their bodies. The warm air between them stays warmer.
The penguins near the edge can move toward the middle. Then other penguins take a turn on the edge.
So that's why penguins huddle together. They share warmth and block the cold wind.
For grown-ups: the science
Penguins huddle so they can stay warm and keep cold wind away.
Many penguins, especially emperor penguins, form dense huddles in very cold, windy conditions. Grouping reduces heat loss, and the huddle can slowly change so individuals spend time in different positions. Feathers and a layer of body fat also help penguins keep warm.