Photo by paulnicklen | This little chick has held a special place in my heart since we met more than a decade ago on the shores of Antarctica's Ross Sea. Emperor penguins have a variety of evolutionary adaptations that allow them to survive the harsh conditions of Antarctic winters, where wind chills can be as cold as -76℉. Small bills and flippers help regulate their body temperature, and special nasal chambers minimize the heat they would otherwise lose via exhalation. Even their circulatory systems have slowly optimized over millennia to help recycle precious warmth. I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to spend so much time with them over my career. Follow me PaulNicklen to learn about other marvels of evolution living at our planet's poles. #HappyFeet #Penguin #EmperorPenguin #RossSea #Antarctica #Evolution #Survival #Love #Beauty #Gratitude