QUESTION:
Are the Emperor penquin's the only animals to spend the entire year on
Antarctica? And if so, why are they able to stay all year? 

        From Craig A., Seventh grader
        Dolan Middle School  Stamford Ct.


ANSWER from Steve Downey, Antarctic Expert
Emperors aren't the only animals living in Antarctica all year.  There are
six different types of penguins (Adelies, Chinstraps, Gentoos, Emperors,
Macaronis, and Rockhoppers) that live in the Antarctic region all year.
There also are several types of seals that spend their lives around
Antarctica (Crabeater, Elephant, Fur, Leopard, Ross, and Weddell).

The reason why all of these animals can live in the harsh climate of
Antarctica is because of their resistance to cold.  Both seals and penguins
have fat layers under their skin which insulate them from the cold.
Penguins also have layers of waterproof feathers which protect them from
the cold sea waters (and gives them that well-dressed look they're famous
for).  Their insulation works so well that penguins occasionally have to
fluff their feathers in order to release some of the heat trapped beneath
them.  If they don't they'll overheat.

Thanks for your question!
Steve