QUESTION:
Are the Emperor and King penguins the same or different? 

        Michael D.
        Grade 5
        Holy Cross Elementary School
        Garret Park, Maryland


ANSWER from Steven Downey, Doctoral Student
            University of Illinois 
            Sat, 15 Mar 1997 13:30:44 -0500


Dear Michael,


Technically, they are two different species which means they have several
differences; however, they also are a lot alike.

They are alike in that Emperors and Kings are the same in that they are the
largest penguins in Antarctica.  Emperors average 44 inches in height and
weigh between 60-90 pounds.  Kings stand approximately 37 inches high and
weigh 30-35 pounds.  They also share similar color markings (both have an
orange-yellow patch on the sides of their head and neck).

Among the differences are where you might find Emperors versus Kings.
Emperors prefer to stay on the continent or the fast ice surrounding it,
while Kings are found subantarctic island and usually feed in ice-free
waters.


Thanks for your question!

Steven