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December 2, 2008 10:03:10 AM CST

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Warming Dooms King Penguins

Posted Feb 12, 08 4:31 AM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Global warming could drive king penguins into extinction in the next 20 years, a new study warns. Research indicates that a rise in ocean temperature of just 0.47 degrees—well below the forecast—would reduce the animals' critical supply of lantern fish and krill, reports the Los Angeles Times. The 8-year study found even a minimal change in temperature drastically increased penguin mortality because of effects on their food supply.

The giant penguins battled back from the brink of extinction once before, in the 19th century, after they were nearly wiped out by sailors who used their fat for stove fuel. "Their life histories evolved around ice," said one expert. "Any change in temperature that turns ice to water has huge impacts." Another warned that the research is also bad news for humans. "If a population this robust starts to decline, our worries will go way beyond penguins," he said.

Source Los Angeles Times

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The King penguin's food supply is sensitive to climate change. A new study says a slight increase in ocean temperatures brought about by global warming will wipe out the King penguin population.   (Getty Images)
A King penguin waddles over the Antarctic ice. A new study says a slight increase in ocean temperatures brought about by global warming will wipe out the King penguin population.   (Getty Images)
A new study says a slight increase in ocean temperatures brought about by global warming will wipe out the King penguin population.   (Getty Images (by Event))
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