How Emperor Penguins Are Adapting to a Melting World
rise to the occasion: responding to a challenge by performing well or better than expected
In Antarctica, a group of young emperor penguins have been filmed doing something never seen before. These penguins, only a few months old, jumped from a 50-foot-high ice shelf into the ocean to swim for the first time.
Emperor penguins normally start their first swim with a modest 60 cm jump. However, with the melting of sea ice due to climate change, new generations are forced to rise to the occasion and jump from much higher places.
This rare event, recorded by drones, shows the challenges of their changing environment. The footage is part of a new documentary called “Secrets of the Penguins.” Experience their extraordinary jump in the video below.
Sample sentences
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2. During the power outage, the community rose to the occasion by sharing resources and helping each other.
3. When the team’s captain was injured, a young player rose to the occasion and led the team to victory.
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Why are these emperor penguin chicks jumping from a 50-foot cliff?