All organisms use DNA to store and pass on genetic material The DNA and characteristics between individuals within a population are extremely similar, however DNA varies slightly between each individual Each individual has a unique combination of genes, traits, and characteristics Through sexual reproduction an individual passes its genes and traits on to it’s offspring The DNA and traits vary from adult to offspring due to gene shuffling, natural selection, random assortment, environmental factors, and sometimes mutation More offspring are produced than can survive How Evolution Works Peter Schubert, Will Bryant How Evolution Works Peter Schubert, Will Bryant

Survival of the fittest Phenotypic traits Environment Resource availability Learned behaviors Predators Individuals that survive are on average more fit than those who do not survive The surviving “fit” individuals pass their traits on to their offspring Over many reproductive cycles the gene pool of a population changes to becomes more fit unfit organisms with genes and characteristics that are not well conditioned towards the environment die organism with genes and characteristics that are well adapted to the environment live to reproduce Changes in DNA accumulate over many generations, leading to a vastly different population than before

All organisms use DNA to store and pass on genetic material The DNA and characteristics between individuals within a population are extremely similar, however DNA varies slightly between each individual Emperor Penguins vary in size, body shape, weight, and numerous other characteristics Through sexual reproduction an individual passes its genes and traits on to it’s offspring The DNA and traits vary from adult to offspring due to gene shuffling, natural selection, random assortment, environmental factors, and sometimes mutation The female Emperor Penguin lays only one egg per year, however only 19% of these eggs survive their first year of life Evolution of the Emperor Penguin Evolution of the Emperor Penguin

Survival of the fittest Phenotypic traits such as bone density, metabolic rate, size, and many other characteristics may increase or decrease the chance of survival High wind speeds of up to 144km/hr and extreme cold(- 40°C) limit survival rate Emperor Penguins compete with Weddell Seals for food Emperor Penguins huddle together to conserve heat during cold months Predators such as the Southern Giant Petral and the Orca kill Emperor Penguins Emperor Penguins that are better hunters and are more suited to the environment survive more often The surviving “fit” penguins pass their traits on to their offspring Over many reproductive cycles the gene pool of the Emperor Penguin population changes to contain more individuals with high bone density Changes, such as bone density, accumulate over many generations, leading to a vastly different population than before i.e. Penguins with high bone density can undergo more barometric pressure when diving underwater, allowing them to collect more food and escape predators