QUESTION:
If all the penguins suddenly died, what would  be  the core effect on the
ecosystem?

        Eli J., 15
        Lewiston Alternative Middle School
        Lewiston Idaho

ANSWER from Donna Patterson, Research Assistant
            Bill Fraser's Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Mon, 7 Apr 1997 14:24:18 -0500

 
Hello Eli,

If all of the penguins suddenly died, the effects on the ecosystem 
would be severe and widespread.   Penguins occupy a place in the 
food chain; other animals here have evolved in conjunction with them.  
If penguins were to disappear, their predators would suddenly be 
without a major component of their food  base.  Predators such as 
South Polar or Brown skuas would be forced to find a new species 
of prey, which in turn could affect other populations that had no direct 
interaction with penguins before.  Leopard seals would also be forced 
to shift to a diet that concentrated more on krill, fish and other seals 
which may decrease survival of other species (i.e., crabeater or fur seals).  
Without penguins, the ecosystem would change to reach a new balance 
of remaining species that can compensate for the loss of a major food 
resource.   Those species that cannot adapt would most likely 
disappear from the system.  


Thanks for your question!

Donna Patterson