Culik, Boris and Wilson, Rory P. (1991) Energetics of under-water swimming in Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 161 (3). pp. 285-291. DOI 10.1007/BF00262310.

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Abstract

The energy consumption of Adélie penguins while at rest in water (8.4 W·kg-1 at 4°C) or swimming below the surface was determined using a 21 m long canal fitted with respiration chambers at each end. Penguins chose to swim 86% of the time at speeds recorded in nature. Cost of transport was lowest (7.9 J·kg-1·m-1) at 1.7–2.3 m·s-1, corresponding to a power input of 15.8 W·kg-1, and only 50% as high as previously reported. Assuming a muscle efficiency of 0.25, propulsion efficiency is 0.4 and overall efficiency is 0.1. Calculated food requirements vary between 1060 g krill per adult and foraging trip at the beginning of the breeding season and 2500 g at the period of highest demand, prior to crèching of the chicks.

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