The great march made by emperor penguins from the sea to their nesting grounds is rightly admired as an example of will and determination. What’s often forgotten is the reason why these birds choose to incubate and raise their chicks so far from the sea. The emperors instinctively know that when spring begins, the shelf ice will begin to melt toward them. Evolutionary trial and error has taught them that if they’re not far enough from the sea, the ice may grow too thin to support them while they’re still supporting their eggs. There’s no substitute for foresight and experience.
