Study Finds Steep Decline In Some Antarctic Penguin Colonies

Recent surveys show a significant decline in penguin colonies, with some dropping over 75% in 50 years. Climate change, causing rising ocean temperatures and melting sea ice, is identified as the main cause. This has led to a loss of krill, a primary food source for penguins, particularly affecting chinstrap penguins with a 77% decline since 1971. The data indicates a fundamental change in the ecosystem, impacting the entire food chain.

What percentage of decline have some penguin colonies experienced over the past 50 years?

• 75%

• 80%

• 60%

• 50%

What is considered the main cause of the decline in penguin colonies?

• Pollution

• Habitat destruction

• Climate change

• Overfishing

How are rising ocean temperatures affecting penguins?

• Increasing their food supply

• Causing them to migrate

• Improving their habitat

• Reducing their main food source

Which penguin species has shown the largest decline?

• Emperor penguins

• Chinstrap penguins

• Adelie penguins

• Gentoo penguins

What broader impact does the decline in penguin colonies suggest?

• Improved biodiversity

• Stable ecosystem

• Fundamental ecosystem changes

• Increased food supply