#22: That’s Useful

Penguins are beloved inhabitants of the frigid Antarctic regions and as such, have adapted to cope with their harsh environment. To survive, they need to stay hydrated despite being surrounded by salty seawater. So, they possess a specialized gland located just above their eyes, known as the supraorbital gland, which plays a crucial role in their survival.

This gland filters excess salt from their bloodstream, extracting it and excreting it through their nasal passages, where it’s expelled in a salty solution. This process allows penguins to effectively convert saltwater into freshwater, ensuring they remain adequately hydrated and capable of thriving in their icy habitat. It’s a unique adaptation that highlights nature’s ability to find solutions to the challenges posed by different environments.