The Annual Cycle of Eudyptula Minor, Its Phases and Major Effects :: Penugins Animals Wildlife Essays Expository

The Annual Cycle of Eudyptula Minor, Its Phases and Major Effects Abstract The Eudyptula minor, the smallest member of the penguin family, is an indigenous species of Australia, located on the southeastern coast. Little penguins follow an annual energetics cycle. The Little penguins go through periods of fasting which occur while incubating and molting. During the rest of the year, E. minor forage for numerous fish types. Foraging behavior relies on the aerobic diving limit as well as the amount of sunlight present. Fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans provide all the nutrients E. minor needs although one species might not be enough. Some prey types fulfill only partial daily requirements of the Little penguin’s diet. Introduction Australia is home to a numerous variety of flightless birds like emus and cassowaries. A unique member of the penguin family, Eudyptula minor can be found on the southeastern coast of Australia. The locals have given these penguins numerous names such as: Little penguin, Little Blue penguin, Blue penguin, and Fairy penguin. Unlike their arctic cousins, E. minor have adapted to a much warmer climate. The Little penguins have maintained the penguin species’ exceptional swimming abilities, and are able to stay out to sea for great periods of time. While out to sea the Little penguins must eat almost constantly to keep up their energy in order to maintain metabolism and energy levels. On shore during times of molting and egg incubation, the penguins can fast for many days. Little penguins have an annual energetics cycle that is affected by seasonal changes and during times of fasting and re-feeding. E. minor has a preferred choice of food and using information taken from s tudying captive Little penguins’ nutritional requirements can be determined. Life History The smallest member of the penguin family, the Little penguin at adulthood stands at 35 cm tall and weighs between 1-1.5 kg. As the alternative name Blue penguin indicates, adult E. minor have blue feathers on its dorsal side and white feathers on its ventral side. Females lay two eggs in a nest burrowed into a rocky shore or in dense vegetation. Many nests are now being made by scientists so that the threat of predators as well as other unfortunate circumstances that would cause an early death to the chicks or to the parents is reduced (Dann et al. The Annual Cycle of Eudyptula Minor, Its Phases and Major Effects :: Penugins Animals Wildlife Essays Expository The Annual Cycle of Eudyptula Minor, Its Phases and Major Effects Abstract The Eudyptula minor, the smallest member of the penguin family, is an indigenous species of Australia, located on the southeastern coast. Little penguins follow an annual energetics cycle. The Little penguins go through periods of fasting which occur while incubating and molting. During the rest of the year, E. minor forage for numerous fish types. Foraging behavior relies on the aerobic diving limit as well as the amount of sunlight present. Fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans provide all the nutrients E. minor needs although one species might not be enough. Some prey types fulfill only partial daily requirements of the Little penguin’s diet. Introduction Australia is home to a numerous variety of flightless birds like emus and cassowaries. A unique member of the penguin family, Eudyptula minor can be found on the southeastern coast of Australia. The locals have given these penguins numerous names such as: Little penguin, Little Blue penguin, Blue penguin, and Fairy penguin. Unlike their arctic cousins, E. minor have adapted to a much warmer climate. The Little penguins have maintained the penguin species’ exceptional swimming abilities, and are able to stay out to sea for great periods of time. While out to sea the Little penguins must eat almost constantly to keep up their energy in order to maintain metabolism and energy levels. On shore during times of molting and egg incubation, the penguins can fast for many days. Little penguins have an annual energetics cycle that is affected by seasonal changes and during times of fasting and re-feeding. E. minor has a preferred choice of food and using information taken from s tudying captive Little penguins’ nutritional requirements can be determined. Life History The smallest member of the penguin family, the Little penguin at adulthood stands at 35 cm tall and weighs between 1-1.5 kg. As the alternative name Blue penguin indicates, adult E. minor have blue feathers on its dorsal side and white feathers on its ventral side. Females lay two eggs in a nest burrowed into a rocky shore or in dense vegetation. Many nests are now being made by scientists so that the threat of predators as well as other unfortunate circumstances that would cause an early death to the chicks or to the parents is reduced (Dann et al.