Question

Each year Emperor penguins migrate across Antarctica to their breeding grounds 50 miles away from the sea (and food). For over 2 months the male emperor penguins care for and incubate the eggs while the females return to the sea to feed. During this time, the male penguin can lose up to 50% of its biomass (by dry weight). Where did the majority of this biomass go? Select one or more: A. The mass was converted to urine and feces and eliminated from the body. B. The mass was converted to energy and used. O C. The mass was converted into ATP molecules. D. The mass was released as CO2 and H20. O E.

Answer 1

Answer- B. The mass was converted to energy and used

Explanation-

1. Emperor penguin lives in Antarctica where temperature is less than -30°C and in this temperature they breed. For breeding they come to inland for approx 120km which is ice ground and in this temperature they mate and female lays egg.

2. When female lays egg she immediately hand over egg to Male for incubation and she immediately leaves and goes to sea for feeding as she lost much of energy.

3. Now Male incubates egg for 120 days and does not eat anything and his body trying to maintain temperature near to 38°C for incubation of egg. At this time majority of his body mass in the form of lipid storage is used to generate body heat and this energy is used to maintain body temperature 38°C where outside temperature is-30°C.

4. Until the egg hatches Male has loosen his most of body weight for egg incubation as 1-2min exposure of egg to ice causes death of embryo so that Male uses approximately 40%of his body mass to generate heat to maintain his body temperature and survival of himself and egg.

5. Majority of Male emperor penguin loses his body mass because his body mass is converted to energy and used.