User:Rentre7/Adélie penguin

Diet
The Adélie penguin is known to be an omnivore and is a predator. This species plays a vital role in the food chain of the Antarctic. Tiny creatures are their main source of food. These penguins are known to be efficient hunters and can eat up to 4.5 lbs (2 kg) of food in one day.

A recent study was conducted to determine the diet of the Adélie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, is such that it was studied closely to determine the main source of their food. The most abundant components of their diet were reported to be two krill species (Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias) and the notothenioid fish (mainly Pleuragramma antarctica and Pagothenia borchgrevinki). These species that make up their diet was reported to be related to the Ross Sea's geographic characteristics. Their diet serves as an indicator in which there will be a greater understanding of the ecological conditions within their habitats.

Behaviour
There is a growing interest in the behaviour in the populations of species in response to the ever-evident issue of climate change, especially in species that have habitats in colder climates such as the Adélie penguin. These Antarctic birds are foragers and are an indicator of prey availability and resource-rich areas. The flexibility in foraging behaviour is important in coping with the environmental changes.

There have been many adaptations required to cope for this species of penguin. There is a mid-winter peak in abundance during the winter and there is a negative relationship between penguin abundance and daylight hours.

It has been said that the Adélie penguin usually come from the ice floes and form colonies that may become thousands. It was noted that the nature of the Adélie penguin can be quite selfish. There is also their undeniable sense of curiosity that may overcome their sense of self-preservation.

Threats
It must be mentioned that due to climate change there have been many disruptions in the ecosystem worldwide. Due to climate change, many species are under threat. The Adélie penguins are not exempt as their food source may diminish as time progresses. The population of krill, one of their main sources of food, may become depleted as global warming causes the ice to be lost. This is thought to be the cause of the decline in krill in certain areas.

The warmer temperatures negatively affect the habitat of the Adélie penguin. The rise causes the chicks of the Adélie penguin to hatch at certain times in which it is not favourable. They may hatch at times in which food is scarcer and that may allow starvation to occur.

In addition to climate change, there are more threats to their survival such as competition for the food that is available. If the scarcity of food rises, then there may also be competition among other species that depend on that food source. When the level of Krill in Antarctica becomes low, there will be a concentration in a small area. This will cause there to be few areas that they will be in.