QUESTION:
Are penquins black to absorb heat?
      
        From  Douglas G., second grade student
              J.J. Fray Elementary School
              Restburg, VA


ANSWER from Eric Holm, Field Team Leader, Dr. Fraser's Research Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Mon, 24 Feb 1997 18:13:38 -0500

Dear Douglas,

The dark side helps to absorb heat but it also serves as camouflage 
when they are swimming in the water.  The dark side makes them 
difficult to see from above and the white side makes them difficult 
to see from below.  Can you think of other animals that have similar
types of camouflage?  You might ask your teacher about other
special types of "adaptations" animals have made to their environment.

Have fun learning about Antarctica!
Eric