Can Penguins Learn From Us?

March 31, 2024

Penguins already spend time preening and lounging on land, but they could adjust their position to maximize exposure to the Antarctic sun. This might help regulate calcium for stronger bones, just like humans get vitamin D.

Sunbathing for Vitamin D

While complex tools might be out of the question, penguins could potentially use pebbles or other smooth objects to break open shellfish or pry stubborn mollusks from rocks.

Utilizing Tools

Penguins already share feeding duties for their chicks, but they could extend this by sharing hard-to-find food sources within their colony, benefiting the entire group.

Cooperative Food Sharing

Some penguin species huddle together for warmth, but they could take it a step further.  Imagine penguin highways – snow tunnels dug by the colony to provide protection from harsh winds while traveling between nesting sites and feeding grounds.

Creating Shelters

While penguins have a complex vocal repertoire, mimicking basic human signals like pointing or nudging could improve communication within the colony, especially for dangers or new food sources.

Basic Communication Beyond Calls

The Antarctic sun can be harsh. Penguins could learn to spend mid-day hours seeking shade under rocks or using their feathers to cover sensitive areas, mimicking how humans use hats and sunscreen.

Sun-protective Behaviors

Penguin parents already share incubation and chick-rearing duties, but this could be extended to other colony tasks. Imagine penguin shifts for guarding nests or taking turns taking a dip in the ocean to cool down.

Taking Turns & Sharing Responsibilities