Ontogeny

Early Dependence 

Penguin chicks rely heavily on huddling for thermoregulation during their early developmental stages. In the cold environments where penguins live, maintaining body temperature is critical for survival, particularly for chicks that cannot yet regulate their own heat. This instinctive behavior helps conserve energy and keeps them warm, with chicks clustering together with other chicks and adults for warmth. According to Tinbergen (1981), huddling plays a vital role in helping chicks survive during their early, vulnerable weeks when they are unable to generate sufficient body heat on their own.

Gradual Development

As penguin chicks mature, they gradually develop the ability to regulate their body temperature more effectively and become less dependent on huddling. This shift happens slowly, as they learn to actively participate in the huddle, positioning themselves strategically to maintain warmth. The development of thermoregulatory mechanisms is influenced by their growth and exposure to the environment (Duchamp et al., 2002). While huddling remains an essential behavior, it evolves over time, with older penguins and more mature chicks playing different roles within the group. For example, in Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri), individuals rotate positions within the huddle to ensure everyone, including chicks, stays warm (Ancel et al., 2015). As chicks continue to grow, they become more self-sufficient, but huddling remains crucial to their social and survival strategies in the harsh conditions of their habitats (Australian Antarctic Division, n.d.).