QUESTION:
How much time does the average penquin spend in the water? Is it more
time than they spend on land? 

        Mikelah R., 7th Grader, Dolan Middle School  Stamford Ct.

ANSWER from Steve Downey, Antarctic expert
            Fri, 7 Feb 1997 09:07:55 -0500

The average amount of time a penguin spends on land varies by species.
Estimates say some penguins spend up to 75% of their time in the water.
The Fiordland penguin, while not native to Antarctica, spends so much time
in the water that barnacles (a crusty lump of cells) will grow its tail.

While I'm not positive how penguins sleep while at sea, I suspect they
float on top of the water.  Although I've heard tell of animals (seals
primarily) that sleep just BELOW the water surface.  They float up to the
surface for air and then down where its safer while remaining asleep the
entire time.  Typically, animals do not
do this for a long period of time--mainly, just for naps.

Thanks for your question!
Steve