[Campbell Biology P.922] Based on the text, what is the primary advantage of Emperor penguin... | Practice Question

Based on the text, what is the primary advantage of Emperor penguins packing together in groups during harsh conditions?

  • A: To increase their overall metabolic rate.
  • B: To facilitate rapid cycles of muscle contraction and relaxation.
  • C: To reduce their exposure to wind and cold by decreasing the total exposed surface area.
  • D: To allow females to forage while males incubate eggs.

Explanation

The 'Behavior' section explicitly states: 'By packing together in groups of up to several thousand, Emperor penguins greatly reduce their exposure to wind and cold.' The diagram further specifies 'reducing exposed surface area' as the mechanism.