Scientists have observed that in the Antarctic ecosystem Adélie and Chinstrap penguin populations have decreased in the past 40
years by about half. However, Gentoo penguin populations have remained steady and are possibly increasing. Increasing ocean temperatures in the Antarctic is resulting in less sea ice and less krill because krill depend on sea ice. Which statement, if true, BEST explains why Gentoo penguins have a survival advantage in the changing Antarctic environment?
A.
Adult Gentoo penguins average about 0.5 kilograms more in weight than adult Adélie and Chinstrap penguins.
B.
Leopard seals prey heavily upon juvenile penguins.
C.
Gentoo penguins eat more types of prey than either Adélie or Chinstrap penguins.
D.
Penguins spend a large amount of their energy on keeping warm during harsh winters with very low temperatures.
Niche refers to adaptive features of an organism, its activity pattern and consumption of resources in the system.
Niche of an organism refers to its habitat, activity role and functional position within system. It includes the resources such as food that it obtains from the habitat for its survival.
