A SIMPLIFIED METHOD OF DETERMINING THE SEX OF PYGOSCELIS PENGUINS USING BILL MEASUREMENTS.

The article explores sexual dimorphism in bill size in adult Adelie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae, adult Chinstrap Penguins P. antarctica and adult and juvenile Gentoo Penguins P. papua at King Goerge Island, Antarctica. A DNA-based molecular sexing technique has been used in this study. Results reveal that bill length and depth were the most consistent dimorphic character explored. Male Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins had reportedly consistently longer and deeper bills versus their mates. Bill measurements were utilized to calculate species- and age-specific discriminant functions.