Penguins can shut down digestion by lowering the temperature inside their stomach to the point where the gastric juices are no longer active. The stomach becomes a kind of cooler to carry home the fish they've caught for their young.
Penguins have a fascinating adaptation that allows them to manage their digestion effectively. By lowering the internal temperature of their stomachs, they can slow down or even halt the activity of their gastric juices. This unique method enables them to store the fish they catch until they can return to feed their young.
This cooling process transforms the stomach into a temporary storage unit, ensuring that the food remains available for the chicks while also preserving the nutrients until the penguins are ready to feed. This remarkable ability highlights the sophisticated strategies penguins employ for survival and nurturing their offspring.