Mass specific metabolic rate (sMR, W kg–1) of emperor penguins plotted as a function of body temperature (Tb, °C). Mass specific metabolic rate (sMR, W kg–1) of emperor penguins plotted as a function of body temperature (Tb, °C). The relationship was best described by the linear regression: sMR=–9.937+0.312Tb (r2=0.9973, P=0.033). (Data from Le Maho et al., 1976; Pinshow et al., 1976; Dewasmes et al., 1980; Gilbert et al., 2007). Caroline Gilbert et al. J Exp Biol 2008;211:1-8 © The Company of Biologists Limited 2008