Actually, the typical lifespan of emperor penguins is 50 years, which is considerably longer than the smaller breeds of penguins (which are in the 15-20 year range). Something I was curious about, and haven't seen research about, is how many years the adult emperor penguins go on those breeding expeditions. After getting "too old for this nonsense" do they start wintering in more pleasant waters with steady meal service? Or are they hardwired to keep up that march across the ice year after year until they drop?
In any case, the vastly longer lifespan for emperor penguins compared to the rest of the breed (and critters in general) points to their unique behaviour being a pretty damn successful survival strategy.
Many years ago I checked out a book about penguins published in the 1910's. I had a shock of recognition at the photographs and sketches of penguins in that book. The poses and groupings of penguins were identical to those seen in many pages of "Mr. Popper's Penguins". Obviously this old book was the reference used by Robert Lawson when he illustrated the beloved children's book. I'd like to locate that old book again.
By the way, the story behind how "Mr. Popper's Penguins" came to be written is rather interesting and sad. I long wondered why there were no other wonderful books authored by Mr. and Mrs. Atwater after they had hit one out of the park with this one. I'll recheck the facts on this and post the story on my page someday.
On another hand, is there any illustrator who has participated in a wider range of beloved children's books than Robert Lawson?
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Date: 2005-12-17 06:25 pm (UTC)considerably longer than the smaller breeds of penguins (which are
in the 15-20 year range). Something I was curious about, and haven't
seen research about, is how many years the adult emperor penguins
go on those breeding expeditions. After getting "too old for this
nonsense" do they start wintering in more pleasant waters with steady
meal service? Or are they hardwired to keep up that march across
the ice year after year until they drop?
In any case, the vastly longer lifespan for emperor penguins compared
to the rest of the breed (and critters in general) points to their unique
behaviour being a pretty damn successful survival strategy.
Many years ago I checked out a book about penguins published in
the 1910's. I had a shock of recognition at the photographs and sketches
of penguins in that book. The poses and groupings of penguins
were identical to those seen in many pages of "Mr. Popper's Penguins".
Obviously this old book was the reference used by Robert Lawson
when he illustrated the beloved children's book. I'd like to locate that
old book again.
By the way, the story behind how "Mr. Popper's Penguins" came to be
written is rather interesting and sad. I long wondered why there were
no other wonderful books authored by Mr. and Mrs. Atwater after they had
hit one out of the park with this one. I'll recheck the facts on this
and post the story on my page someday.
On another hand, is there any illustrator who has participated in
a wider range of beloved children's books than Robert Lawson?