Emperor penguins breed on shelves of sea ice in the winter. By spring, the chicks have developed waterproof plumage and are ready to swim in the cold ocean waters. What effect might a warming climate have on the penguins? (1 point) Responses The chicks grow faster because of the warming temperature. The chicks grow faster because of the warming temperature. The sea ice freezes earlier in the winter, shifting the breeding schedule. The sea ice freezes earlier in the winter, shifting the breeding schedule. The sea ice melts later in the season, and the penguins have to travel farther to find food. The sea ice melts later in the season, and the penguins have to travel farther to find food. The sea ice melts before the chicks are ready to swim.

1 answer

The most likely effect of a warming climate on emperor penguins is that the sea ice melts before the chicks are ready to swim. This could lead to significant challenges for the survival of the chicks, as they rely on the sea ice for breeding and for access to food. If the ice melts too early, the chicks may not be able to make the transition to swimming and foraging in the ocean, potentially resulting in a decline in their population.