QUESTION:
Can different species of penguins mate?  If so, what would the resulting
offspring look like?  Could they reproduce?


        Fourth graders in Greeley, CO, USA 
        Ms. Heisler's Class


ANSWER from David Lott, Researcher, Palmer Station, Antarctica 
            Fri, 14 Feb 1997 16:37:54 -0500

Dear Fourth Graders and Ms. Heisler,

    Talking with people down at Palmer Station, it seems that 
Chinstrap and Adelie have mated before.  However, it is not known 
whether these eggs were fertile, though.  Usually, behavioral 
differences between these birds prevent mating from occurring.  They 
are colored differently, they have different vocal greetings, and 
they nest at slightly different times.  Thus, having these birds mate 
is very unlikely.

Thanks for your question!
David Lott