Penguin poop triggers evasive maneuvers in krill

Scientists at Palmer Station in Antarctica have discovered that penguin poop can make krill act as if they are in danger. The study found that the smell of Adélie penguin droppings triggered krill to swim erratically. In the lab, researchers placed wild-caught krill in tanks and released a mixture of penguin poop. They observed how the krill responded. Nicole Hellessey, the lead scientist from the University of Tasmania, noted that the krill immediately began to zigzag and swim faster. The krill not only swam quicker but also made more turns—up to three times as many as normal. Some krill even stopped swimming altogether, letting the current carry them. This behavior may help conserve energy while moving away from potential predators. Additionally, the presence of penguin poop affected the krill's feeding habits. They consumed 64 percent less food when exposed to the droppings, showing that the threat from predators might reduce their appetite.