Diving Biology of Emperor Penguins

Although anterior abdominal temperatures gradually decreased during diving, core temperature (inferior vena cava temperature) remained stable. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis of hypothermic extension of aerobic diving.

Rather, findings were consistent with conservation of core temperature, peripheral vasoconstriction, and cooling of an outer peripheral body shell. In addition, diving behavior of emperors was examined with the use of National Geographic's Crittercam camera, a remote underwater camera unit attached to the diving bird. This established that the birds routinely feed on the sub-ice fish, Pagothenia borchgrevinki.