Living BeingsCompare species
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Emperor Penguin | African Baobab |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Adults are large, with a dark head and back, a pale front and yellow-orange markings around the neck. | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. |
| Habitat and range | Sea ice supports many breeding colonies, while surrounding marine waters provide food. | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. |
| Diet and nutrition | Fish, crustaceans and squid contribute to a marine diet that varies with availability. | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. |
| Behavior and activity | Breeding birds form huddles that reduce heat loss. Feeding requires repeated dives beneath the surface. | Data unavailable |
| Reproduction and life cycle | A single egg is incubated on the parent's feet beneath a brood pouch. Parents alternate care and feeding trips as breeding proceeds. | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. |
| Geographic distribution | The species is associated with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Colony locations depend on local ice conditions. | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. |
| Ecological role | Emperor penguins transfer marine food resources to breeding colonies and form part of Southern Ocean predator-prey communities. | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Insulation, huddling and specialized diving physiology support survival in cold environments. | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. |
| Conservation | Changes in the timing and stability of sea ice can disrupt breeding. An older population estimate or assessment should not substitute for current colony monitoring. | Data unavailable |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eukaryota.