| MadSci Network: Biochemistry |
I understand that fat on animals such as seals, walruses, penguins, etc. is used for insulation againt the cold. But when fat gets cold, it seems to become quite stiff to the point of sometimes becomming hard and inflexible. Since the point of fat in these animals is to insulate -- and not to be kept warm itself -- what keeps the fat layers from becomming rigid with exposure to the cold? Some animals such as penguins inhabit extremely cold environments, both in air and water. What am I missing here?
Re: Why don't cold temperatures harden seal blubber?
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