Why white fronts and black backs?
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Why do penguins have white fronts and black backs?

The usual reason given is that it provides camouflage when the birds are in the water.  The black backs mean that the penguins are difficult to see from above against the dark seas, while the white fronts make them hard to see from below against the light sky.  Thus predators such as seals, sharks and Killer Whales will find it difficult to hunt penguins.  Another explanation sometimes suggested is that the penguins can use their colouration as a form of thermal control.  If they are cold they can stand with their black backs to the sun and so absorb heat, while if they are hot they can stand with their white fronts to the sun and reflect the sun's rays.  This second explanation may be true in a few limited cases, but many species of penguin nest in the open and will always have their black backs upward, so that even on hot, sunny days, they will be absorbing heat.  We have seen African penguins on nests becoming quite overheated because of a strong sun.  These overly hot birds lie with their flippers extended to try to radiate some heat and also open their mouths and pant to try to lose some more heat that way.