QUESTION:
If you took a magnifying glass and examined a penguin's coat, about how
many feathers might you find growing in an area the size of a postage
stamp [approximately one square inch]?
 
                        Kristen S.,
                        Peacham Elementary school
                        Peacham Vermont

ANSWER from David Lott, Researcher, Palmer Station, Antarctica 
            Fri, 14 Feb 1997 16:37:54 -0500

Well Kristen, I don't exactly know.  While we are out in the field, 
we don't really have access to a microscope, so I am unable to 
correctly answer your question.  I do know that many of the feathers 
are quite long.  Their tail feathers might be around 4-5 inches.  In 
contrast, some of the feathers on their flippers are very small and 
actually look like scales.  Plus, the feathers that are on the 
outside of the penguin's coat are much different than those next to 
the body.  All of these factors make the answer to your question 
rather difficult.  

Thanks for your question!
David Lott