how do penguins survive in harsh conditions

hopefully this is will help you out

Cold climate adaptations

To deal with the extended time in extreme cold, the Emperor Penguin has developed a number of physiological and behavioural adaptations:

A thick and relatively stiff 30 mm layer of feathers that provide the primary insulation. This layer is mechanically strengthened by short, strong feathers, ensuring relative immunity to ruffling (and hence heat loss) by all but the strongest of winds. The temperature gradient across this feather layer can be as much as 60掳C.

A layer of blubber or fat, that provides additional insulation, although its main role is as an energy store. The temperature drop across this layer is typically no more than 5掳C.

An efficient body shape, with a relatively low surface area to volume ratio.

A highly developed counter current heat exchange vascular system, that allows the skin and appendage temperatures to be lowered without, excessive heat loss.

Efficient metabolism, which allows a low breathing rate, to reduce heat loss through the lungs. An elaborate heat exchanger system in the nasal passages, which also reduces heat loss by using the heat of exhalation to warm incoming air.

To reduce the impact of wind, a sheltered site is selected for the rookery. However, site selection is not that simple, for a completely sheltered site will allow wind driven drift snow to settle. Therefore sites require sufficient wind scouring to prevent drift snow build-up.