The Behavior Of Penguins

"Strange geese." That was their description when they were discovered in 1520 during Magellan's historic voyage. Today, penguins are familiar to everyone, yet few researchers have observed them in the remote regions in which they live. Written by an ecologist-behaviorist who has worked extensively in the natural penguin habitat, The Behavior of Penguins is the first general work on the entire family of penguins. Numerous and remarkable field photographs document the author's detailed study of the life cycles and breeding patterns of each penguin species. He brings to light their unusual abilities to go with little food for months, to dive deep in the ocean, and to protect themselves in extreme environments. Müller-Schwarze's comprehensive and fascinating account of penguins also emphasizes the urgent need to protect these birds and their natural habitat.

Whether you hope to travel to the Southern Hemisphere or simply want to learn more about wildlife, Penguins: The Animal Answer Guide deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

"A great book on penguins looking at their lifestyle, habitat, feeding and behavior."--Google Books

The penguins of the Antarctic regions very rightly have been termed the true inhabitants of that country. The species is of great antiquity, fossil remains of their ancestors having been found, which showed that they flourished as far back as the eocene epoch. To a degree far in advance of any other bird, the penguin has adapted itself to the sea as a means of livelihood, so that it rivals the very fishes. This proficiency in the water has been gained at the expense of its power of flight, but this is a matter of small moment, as it happens.

This ornithological study covers penguin behavior, the workings of their bodies, the details of their vision, the impact of their rookeries on the southern oceans, and their evolutionary history

Why Penguins Communicate: The Evolution of Visual and Vocal Signals is a comprehensive and condensed review of several hundred publications on the evolution of penguin behaviors, particularly signaling, linking genetics and ecology via such behavioral adaptations as nuptial displays. This exciting work has developed from the authors’ many years researching on the behavioral strategies of penguins, such as the unique vocal signatures for individual recognition. Studies of penguins on islands surrounding Antarctica are presented, fully showcasing the behavioral significance of visual ornaments (mating displays) and how and why penguins behave via adaptive evolutionary explanations. Through this evolutionary lens, the authors address several questions involving their identification and taxonomy, habitat and location, breeding, and differences between penguins and other seabirds. Each species occupies a unique ecological niche, and behaviors permit separating the species through mutual display. Although model organisms in science are diverse and specialized, we see the entire integration in penguins, from acoustical and optical physics, to behavioral display and speciation. This work highlights the adaptive significance of their behavior through an evolutionary point- of-view. Provides a focused view on visual and vocal communication behavior, also presenting the family of penguins as a model for acoustical studies Considers the role of ecological and social environments on the evolution of communication in penguins Spans the gap between the scientific community and an interested lay audience, featuring a readable style for students, professional researchers in biology, ornithologists, ethologists and penguin enthusiasts alike Ideal resource for graduate seminar courses on evolution of behavior, marine ecology, polar biology and ornithology

Did you know that emperor penguins huddle together to conserve warmth and keep out the wind? Each penguin takes a turn staying warm on the inside, then protects the others in the group by moving to the outside. Learn more about interesting animal behaviors in Behavior, an Animal Adaptations book.