Penguins live in Antarctica because they are especially adapted to the cold through their unique feathers, small feet and circulatory system. For instance, one of the species that lives in Antarctica, the emperor penguin, has an especially small bill and feet that help it to conserve heat.Know More
According to the Australian Department of the Environment, emperor penguins have many adaptive features that enable them to thrive in the cold of Antarctica. Its feathers are very small and scale-like, layering the penguin underneath plenty of insulation. This insulation also includes large amounts of body fat. The veins and the arteries of the penguin's circulatory system are close together, which helps the bird to recycle its body heat. Biology aside, penguins are very sociable and huddle together, which conserves heat during the Antarctic winters.
However, not all species of penguins can survive in Antarctica. Of the dozens of species that populate the world, all of which reside in the Southern Hemisphere, only two can survive in the cold of Antarctica: the emperor penguin and the adelie penguin. In fact, it is the Antarctic winter that is also the mating season of the emperor penguin. Upon laying a single egg, the females go hunting for the next two months while the males stay with the eggs.Learn More
Although Antarctica has no permanent residents, the population of scientists and support staff working in its research installations was estimated at 4,000 for the summer season and 1,000 for the winter season in 2005. Twenty-six countries helm Antarctic research stations.Full Answer >
Antarctica, the fifth largest continent, contains no individual countries or groups of people. However, there are seven countries that claim parts of the continent, and there are many other countries that send groups of scientists and workers each year.Full Answer >
Lake Vostok is the largest lake in Antarctica. Its surface is approximately 13,100 feet below the surface of the ice, and it measures 160 by 30 miles at its widest points.Full Answer >
The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 by 12 countries, prevents mining in Antarctica. As of 2014, 49 countries have joined in this pact. The treaty also protects the continent from disposal of nuclear waste and testing of nuclear weapons but encourages scientific research.Full Answer >