QUESTION:
What do the penquins do when they come back to mate and breed 
and they can't find their mate?
        
                Rusty H., 6th grade
                Taylor Road Middle School
                Alpharetta, GA


ANSWER from Lori Ross, Research Assistant, Carol Vleck's Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Wed, 12 Feb 1997 12:23:33 -0500

Dear Rusty,

The male Adelie penguins arrive at the colony first and will 
return to their old nest sites to await the return of their previous 
mate.  The female Adelies will also return to their old nest site.
However, if a her old mate is not present, a female Adelie must 
choose a new mate.  She may choose a new mate based on how big he is, 
or how close he is to her old nest site.  A larger male is most likely 
in better shape and will be better able to care for the eggs and 
chicks.  In addition, if her old mate returns late, and she is still 
close to her old nest site, she may be able to reunite with her 
previous mate.  


Thanks for your question!

Lori Ross