than adults. The main advantage of the crèche formation in penguins is to aid in thermoregulation but the formation also helps prevent predation and aggression. While living in a crèche the penguin chicks will be reared in the presence of multiple adults and therefore will be protected from aggressive adults or predators. The largest crèche formations are seen when weather conditions are harsh. These harsh conditions normally include very low temperatures and high humidity, wind speeds and cloud cover. During these times in particular, there will be increased contact between adults and chicks as they gather together to provide warmth to one another to aid in thermoregulation. References Evolutionary biology Social systems Bird behavior