Every May, National Geographic takes a look at one incredible animal to examine what makes it so special. This year, we turn our attention to a Nat Geo favorite: penguins. Today, almost half of all penguin species are threatened with extinction—but these resourceful birds are proving to be tougher and smarter than you may have thought.

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How penguins are evolving to survive in the world’s most unlikely places

For more than 60 million years, penguins of all kinds have been driven by an evolutionary urge to reach beyond their boundaries. Today, they inhabit some of nature’s harshest—and most surprising—environments.

See nature’s daredevils: “It was just raining penguins off this cliff."

Take our penguin quiz: Find out if you can hold your breath longer than a penguin.

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15 iconic images from the National Geographic archive

National Geographic’s first issue was published in 1888, but the first photo essay didn’t appear until 1905—exactly 120 years ago. And we haven’t looked back since.