Penguins on the equator? What gives?

Are you on the right track? This explanation should be about why the penguins can survive in the Galapagos Islands, not how they got there in the first place. The Galapagos Penguins have not evolved to live in warmer water. (They like the cooler water too.) What do you want to see or know to help with your explanation?

Hint #1:

Hint #2:

Hint #3: There are actually 2 ways in which cooler water reaches the Galapagos Islands (both of which we have discussed in class). What would provide a good source of food for the penguins?

Humboldt (Peru) Current Galapagos Islands Equator Cool water brought up from the south South America

Cromwell Current The Cromwell Current is an underwater current (about 300 ft deep). The Cromwell Current flows from West to East which is opposite most currents at the equator. Underwater volcanoes sometimes create upwelling near the Galapagos Islands bringing cooler water and nutrients to the surface. The cool water with lots of nutrients and food helps the Galapagos Penguins survive so near the equator. Cromwell Current