Of penguins’ range and climate change

Variations in the range of Adélie penguins along one section of Antarctica’s coast during the past 45,000 years are a keen indicator of climate change there, a new study suggests.

CLIMATE SENSOR. By dating the remains of Adélie penguins, which thrive only in certain conditions, scientists can tell when penguin-friendly climate conditions prevailed in a region. iStockphoto

Adélie penguins thrive only at sites with ice-free terrain, an abundant marine-food supply, and access to open water during nesting season, which starts each October, says Steven D.