The penguins are emblematic of Antarctica and the South Pole. They are perfectly suited to this hostile environment and live in harmony and synergy with the flora and fauna of the region. In particular, their Guano helps to regulate the climate. The ammonia contained in the excrement of birds contribute to the formation of clouds. An important mechanism which is unfortunately threatened by current climate change.
Do not be mistaken, the penguins live in the Arctic, at the North Pole. On the other hand, penguins live at the South Pole, in Antarctica. The best known are certainly the emperors. These are the older ones of all penguins. Their body is suitable for resisting temperatures that can reach -62 ° C.
On the other hand, they lost their ability to theft. Yes, I say very lost, since the ancestors of penguins could actually fly. And this loss of capacity, we owe it to evolution. Yes, between flying or swimming, you have to choose! The wings can hardly fulfill the two missions optimally. Thus, if a bird has to fly more than swimming, it will lose its ability to dive and vice versa. The penguins have therefore “chosen”, it will be palm to hunt more easily underwater!
On the other hand, penguins are always able to fly! Finally, the little ones, the species that still exists today, Alca Torda. Weighing less than 700 grams, penguins fly on the surface of the water to escape predators or fishing.
Penguins populate the coasts of the northern hemisphere, from the Arctic to the Western Mediterranean. Like penguins, they are gregarious animals that live in colony. However, there is only one species of penguin left today; The big penguin disappeared in 1844 following an excessive hunt.
Unlike penguins, penguins, living in Arctic, are still able to fly.
Credits: Shutterstock/Francis Philippe
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Guano to regulate the climate
The guano, does that speak to you? It is a mixture of urine and fecal matter. In short, these are the excrement of birds. Those of penguins particularly interest scientists because they are rich in ammonia. However, it is particularly interesting for the formation of fog and clouds.
Previous laboratory studies had already shown that ammonia contributed to the formation of clouds. However, we did not know what influence he had on the climate of Antarctica. A very interesting territory to study since there is practically no human pollution or vegetation which could interfere and cause the production of ammonia. This therefore makes it possible to observe the effects of penguin excrement.
Thus, the ammonia content in the air increases when the wind blows from the direction where the colony of penguins is, even when the birds leave to migrate. Indeed, the excrement continues to issue ammonia.
When it is in the air, this gas interacts with particles of sulfuric acid released by phytoplankton present in the sea. And it is this synergy which contributes to the formation of clouds. These clouds are important since they make it possible to regulate temperatures in Antarctica; The more clouds, the more it is cool.
The disappearance of penguins would therefore have a negative impact on climate change.
>> Read also: the surprising effect of penguin excrement … on the Antarctic Krills
The Emperor penguin: a Sentine Species of Antarctica
Penguins are real sentries of the state of health of antarctic ecosystems. And this is particularly true with regard to emperors. Studying them makes it possible to understand the upheavals that affect Antarctica.
The so -called “sentinel” species correspond to predators from the top of the food chain. The long -term study of variations affecting their populations (demography, distribution, behavior) reveals the global changes that affect the whole ecosystem.
Thus, the monitoring of emperors is particularly relevant. These birds are directly threatened by climate change and it is estimated that 80% of the colonies could disappear by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions are maintained at their current level.
More and more scientists are campaigning for better protection of the Emperor penguin. Indeed, protection of this animal would have repercussions on good numbers of species, in particular its prey: Krill, Antarctic grille and Calmar.
Researchers insist more particularly on the protection of young emperors. Indeed, the latter spend the vast majority of their first year at sea. However, this distribution is very often outside the existing conservation zones in the southern ocean.
Given the important vulnerability of penguins to climate change, it is important to protect all the age groups of this species.
>> Read also: Four new colonies of emperors discovered in Antarctica: Good news?
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
