Most penguins live in and around Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. This means they must be able to survive in extremely cold conditions. Penguins have several adaptations that allow them to stay warm when temperatures plummet.
This simple science investigation uses a wax crayon to show how a waxy coating acts as a water repellent.
Penguin adaptations
- Penguins produce oil in a gland near their tails that they spread over their feathers. This gives the feathers a waxy coating that allows them to repel water.
- The densely packed feathers trap air, which acts as an insulator.
- A thick layer of fat.
- This simple science activity demonstrates how the waxy coating protects penguins from the extreme cold of their environment.
Why don't penguins freeze?
You will need to
Printable Penguin Experiment Sheet (or draw your own)
Wax crayons
Markers / felt tip markers
Colored pencils
Water
Instructions
Color a penguin from the printable sheet using a wax crayon. It should be a thick layer, so go over each area several times with the crayon.
Leave the second penguin blank. This is the control.
Color the last two penguins with two more types of pens. Felt tip markers or colored pencils work well.
Carefully drop five drops of water on each penguin.
Look what happens to the water.
The wax crayon will repel water. You should see water droplets forming on the crayon-colored penguin. The paper should absorb the water from the other three penguins, since they do not have a waterproof coating.
Threats to penguins
Climate change and the warming of the Earth's polar regions pose a major threat to penguin populations. Melting sea ice means that penguins are losing their natural habitat.
Fishing: Overfishing in Antarctic regions has reduced the food supply for penguins, who are also at risk of getting caught in nets.
What is an adaptation?
Adaptations are characteristics that make an animal or plant suitable for life in its environment.
Penguin adaptations
- Heavy, solid bones that allow them to stay underwater.
- Two layers of feathers to trap and insulate air.
- A thick layer of fat for insulation.
- Streamlined shape for swimming.
- Strong claws and short legs for gripping ice and rocks.
- Paddle-shaped wings for swimming in water.
More scientific activities with penguins
Experience firsthand why and How a thick layer of fat helps keep penguins warm.
Learn more about the Effects of melting polar ice caps with a practical demonstration.
Last updated on September 18, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
