Unlike seals, penguins are relatively small, so their lungs can hold only so much oxygen. Research conducted on wild penguins in Antarctica shows some surprising adaptions in the penguin's blood and muscle tissues for increasing oxygen during an underwater dive. These penguins were fitted with special sensors to monitor their air level. Unlike humans, the ultra-sensitive hemoglobin present in the penguins' red blood cells allows the penguins to effectively utilize every last molecule of oxygen in their system for diving.
The blood is sent mainly to the heart, brain and other major organs. Penguin hemoglobin is so effective that penguins can continue diving when other animals would suffer from severe tissue damage. In addition, the penguin's muscle tissues also helps it breathe efficiently under water.
A penguin's muscle tissues can also store additional oxygen by using large amounts of the blood protein myoglobin. Also, a special enzyme allows the penguin's muscles to work without the presence of oxygen while neutralizing lactic acid buildup. When the penguins reach the surface and return to normal breathing, they can then expel this buildup of lactic acid. Penguins have short legs that only allow small steps or hops to get around on land. They are positioned back far enough on the body to allow penguins to walk upright.
The feet are webbed for propelling penguins through water and are equipped with claws. All penguins use their tail to steer and brake underwater. Penguins are covered with short, interlocking and waterproof feathers. Muscles control the movement of the feathers, holding them tight to the body when swimming and out when on land to trap warm air next to the skin. In addition to standing, penguins can also be found in a wide variety of sleeping positions. King Penguins and other large species are known to sleep on their bellies, whereas smaller penguins often nap in burrows.
When incubating their eggs, however, most species will remain standing. Just like humans, each penguin sleeps in the position that he or she finds safe, comfortable and warm. Jessica Saras is a professional editor and copywriter.
A natural-born writer, she has more than six years of experience in web content development. Life Cycle of Penguins. How Do Turtles Sleep? How Do Penguins Breathe Underwater? Their coloring and feathers make them harder to see by both predators and prey when they are swimming. The way penguins court can vary among species, but there are similarities despite the difference in breeding seasons and habitats of the various species.
Male penguins are typically the ones that establish the nest. They do this before they search for a mate. It is the female, not the male, that chooses who they mate with each season. Penguins breed in large colonies.
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