Pygoscelis
Definition
Pygoscelis is a penguin genus containing three species known as the brush-tailed penguins: Adelie (P. adeliae), chinstrap (P. antarcticus), and gentoo (P. papua). The genus name means 'rump-legged' in Greek, referring to the tail position. These three species have overlapping ranges across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands but differ in their dependence on sea ice: Adelies require it, chinstraps avoid it, and gentoos are flexible. As warming shifts the balance between ice-loving and ice-free habitats, Pygoscelis species are reshuffling their distributions across the Peninsula.
Related Terms
Related Species
Species where pygoscelis is especially relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pygoscelis mean in penguin biology?
Pygoscelis is a penguin genus containing three species known as the brush-tailed penguins: Adelie (P. adeliae), chinstrap (P. antarcticus), and gentoo (P. papua). The genus name means 'rump-legged' in Greek, referring to the tail position. These three species have overlapping ranges across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands but differ in their dependence on sea ice: Adelies require it, chinstraps avoid it, and gentoos are flexible. As warming shifts the balance between ice-loving and ice-free habitats, Pygoscelis species are reshuffling their distributions across the Peninsula.