QUESTION:
How thick is a penguin's blubber?  What's coldest temperature in which
penguins can survive?


        From Justin S., Ms. Wingate's Class, TX


ANSWER from Eric Holm, Researcher, Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Mon, 24 Feb 1997 18:13:38 -0500

Dear Justin,

The thickness of a penguin's blubber depends on the species and the 
time of year.  The exact thickness is hard to determine but most 
breeding penguins need enough fat reserves to be able to fast for 45 
days or longer.  Emperor penguins can survive temperatures as low as  
minus 60 degrees C.  Adelies survive very cold temperatures as 
well but they breed usually in temps around -10 to 0 degrees C.  

Thanks for your questions!
Eric H.