Nature has got its weird way of beautifying the world. Animals, for instance, come in varying colors. They say that there’s not a lot of blue in kingdom Animalia, but there are sure a lot of creatures that have a splash of black and white.
One such creature is the penguin. Penguins are not only cute and cuddly but also super interesting and utterly unique creatures. Why are penguins black and white? Let’s find out!
Here’s Why Penguins Are Mainly Black And White:
Some experts say that penguins are black and white due to camouflage purposes that they utilize for both hunting and self-defense.
But, given that they hunt and frequent the water for most of their lifetimes, shouldn’t they be better off as blue in color, or maybe something that would help them blend in with the water better?
Those who have studied penguins say that they are black and white in color because of thermoregulation purposes, protection from abrasion, energy-related reasons, and social signaling.
In essence, black regulates temperature better, so that’s why their backsides are darker. When it’s cold, they tend to expose their white bellies to the light to get warm. Penguins live in regions where there can be extreme temperatures, so these reasons make a lot more sense.
Are There Grey Penguins?
Penguins can be gray at specific points in their lives, especially during childhood. Still, there are no factual penguins that are gray in color when they reach adulthood.
Though they can have yellow feathers as eyebrows or on certain parts of their heads, most of them are just black and white.
Thermoregulation
As mentioned, penguins live in regions of the world, mainly in the southern hemisphere, where there can be extreme temperatures. They also migrate to their nesting and feeding grounds come winter, so they really do deal with varying temperatures no matter where they end up.
This is where their black and white colors are essential. Black, as we all know, absorbs temperature better, and so that’s why penguins have grown their backsides dark and their bellies white.
When floating in the water, penguins often have their backs exposed dry to the sun, which allows them to offset said heat to the water and absorb solar radiation.
The bottom line is that their colors keep them warm or cold whenever necessary and for them to thrive in their way of life.
Defense From Abrasion
It turns out that black feathers are quite strong and are effective defenses against abrasion. Penguins are very social and active animals, and they spend a lot of time on land, too.
They are exposed to all sorts of elements aside from temperature. So these feathers are helpful to protect their bodies from any harm brought about by their mundane activities.
That’s why it’s the backside that’s exposed to the sun when in the water and, at the same time, facing outwards when they huddle up together.
Energy-Related Reasons
It turns out that growing black feathers requires more energy than white feathers. If you follow this logic, it suggests that penguins could just grow all-black feathers if they wanted to.
But, since it’s too costly energy-wise, they grow only what’s essential (and where it’s most needed). They then grow white feathers afterward to cover up the rest of their bodies.
It’s a Social Thing
Experts also suggest that penguins’ black and white colors are social indicators. For example, it guides other penguins as to whether certain prey are edible and are ready to be caught.
Most of the time, penguins swim around their potential meal, and when other penguins see the colors black and white from afar, they go ahead and join the others on the hunt.
Why Are Baby Penguins Gray?
Baby penguins have evolved to be gray because of the need to easily pick them apart from adult penguins.
At first, they don’t need strong black feathers and also are most likely incapable of growing them, so they make do with gray and white feathers before they grow up to be adults.
This is also an indicator for adults to know that these baby penguins are not their competition. As cute as they are, Penguins can sometimes be a bit too aggressive and attack indiscriminately.
Being gray also makes them easier to be seen when in the snow.
Wrapping Up
There are a lot of other black and white animals on the planet. Zebras, orcas, and pandas, to name a few. Penguins, just like all other living organisms in the world, are the color that they are mainly to survive.
As species, that’s what we do, adapt.
Sources:
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/baby-pengiun-9-facts-and-pictures/
