Warming climates in the Antarctic regions have affected some penguin species more than others resulting in a diversity imbalance.

Many animals engage in elaborate mating rituals. For flight-ready birds, these often involve complex dance moves and peacock-like displays of grandeur. For their land-bound cousins, like the Adélie penguin, mating rituals function more like a commodity exchange than a dance recital. The Adélie penguin, or Pygoscelis adeliae, is a penguin species commonly found along the Antarctic coastline. They are best known for their distinct white rings around their eyes and feathers protruding from the base of their bills. While they resemble other penguin species thanks to their tuxedo-like appearance, Adélie penguins have longer tails than their counterparts. Unlike other penguins, the Adélie has a prized possession: pebbles. Watch the video above, and then we will explore the topic further.