Adaptation | Biology | Visionlearning

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr"> <head>  <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="ie=edge"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <base href="https://www.visionlearning.com"> <title>Adaptation | Biology | Visionlearning</title> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68"> <meta name="description" content="Learn the difference between natural selection and adaptation. This module discusses how Charles Darwin developed his ideas about survival of the fittest from his and others' work."> <meta name="keywords" content="survival of the fittest, how species change, adapting to environment, penguin adaptation, diversity of life"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="D8E20F39AD48052260032E56DE409970"> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://visionlearning.com/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68" }, "name": "Adaptation", "headline": "Adaptation: The case of penguins", "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Iris Saxer, M.A./M.S." } , { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alfred L. Rosenberger, Ph.D." }], "datePublished": "2005-01-31 16:27:55", "dateModified": "2017-02-12T08:30:00+05:00", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/img/library/moduleImages/featured_image_68-23061209063221.jpeg", "width": 696, "height": 464 }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Visionlearning, Inc.", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://visionlearning.com/images/logo.png", "width": 278, "height": 60 } }, "description": "This module introduces the concept of evolutionary adaptation. It follows the development of Charles Darwin's ideas on how species adapt to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. The difference between adaptation and natural selection is explained. With a look at penguins and other examples from nature, the module explores the processes that influence the diversity of life.", "keywords": "survival of the fittest, how species change, adapting to environment, penguin adaptation, diversity of life", "inLanguage": { "@type": "Language", "name": "English", "alternateName": "en" }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Visionlearning, Inc." }, "copyrightYear": "2005"} </script> <meta property="og:url" content="https://visionlearning.com/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68"> <meta property="og:title" content="Adaptation | Biology | Visionlearning" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website"> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Visionlearning"> <meta property="og:description" content="Learn the difference between natural selection and adaptation. 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<li><a href="/en/library/environmental-science/61/ecosystem-services/279">Ecosystem Services</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/environmental-science/61/population-biology/287">Population Biology</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-earth-cycles" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-earth-cycles" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Earth Cycles </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-earth-cycles" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-earth-cycles" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/environmental-science/61/the-nitrogen-cycle/98">The Nitrogen Cycle</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/environmental-science/61/the-carbon-cycle/95">The Carbon Cycle</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/environmental-science/61/the-phosphorus-cycle/197">The Phosphorus Cycle</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-scientific-research" 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aria-labelledby="acc-button-measurement" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/general-science/3/the-metric-system/47">The Metric System</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-physical-properties" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-physical-properties" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Physical Properties </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-physical-properties" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-physical-properties" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/general-science/3/temperature/48">Temperature</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/general-science/3/density-and-buoyancy/37">Density and Buoyancy</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-math-in-science" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-math-in-science" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Math in Science </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-math-in-science" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-math-in-science" role="region"> <div class="accordion accordion--secondary"> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-equations" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-equations" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Equations </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-equations" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-equations" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/unit-conversion/144">Unit Conversion</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/linear-equations/194">Linear Equations</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/exponential-equations-i/206">Exponential Equations I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/exponential-equations-ii/210">Exponential Equations II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/scientific-notation/250">Scientific Notation</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/measurement/257">Measurement</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-statistics" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-statistics" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Statistics </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-statistics" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-statistics" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/introduction-to-descriptive-statistics/218">Introduction to Descriptive Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/introduction-to-inferential-statistics/224">Introduction to Inferential Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/statistical-techniques/239">Statistical Techniques</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-trigonometric-functions" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-trigonometric-functions" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Trigonometric Functions </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-trigonometric-functions" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-trigonometric-functions" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/math-in-science/62/wave-mathematics/131">Wave Mathematics</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-physics" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-physics" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Physics </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-physics" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-physics" role="region"> <div class="accordion accordion--secondary"> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-light-and-optics" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-light-and-optics" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Light and Optics </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-light-and-optics" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-light-and-optics" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/physics/24/the-nature-of-light/132">The Nature of Light</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/physics/24/electromagnetism-and-light/138">Electromagnetism and Light</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-mechanics" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-mechanics" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Mechanics </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-mechanics" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-mechanics" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/physics/24/defining-energy/199">Defining Energy</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/physics/24/waves-and-wave-motion/102">Waves and Wave Motion</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/physics/24/gravity/118">Gravity</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/physics/24/thermodynamics-i/200">Thermodynamics I</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-process-of-science" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-process-of-science" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Process of Science </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-process-of-science" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-process-of-science" role="region"> <div class="accordion accordion--secondary"> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-introduction" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-introduction" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Introduction </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-introduction" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-introduction" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/the-process-of-science/176">The Process of Science</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-the-culture-of-science" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-the-culture-of-science" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> The Culture of Science </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-the-culture-of-science" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-the-culture-of-science" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/the-nature-of-scientific-knowledge/185">The Nature of Scientific Knowledge</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/scientists-and-the-scientific-community/172">Scientists and the Scientific Community</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/scientific-ethics/161">Scientific Ethics</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/scientific-institutions-and-societies/162">Scientific Institutions and Societies</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-ideas-in-science" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-ideas-in-science" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Ideas in Science </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-ideas-in-science" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-ideas-in-science" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/theories-hypotheses-and-laws/177">Theories, Hypotheses, and Laws</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/scientific-controversy/181">Scientific Controversy</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/creativity-in-science/182">Creativity in Science</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-research-methods" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-research-methods" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Research Methods </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-research-methods" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-research-methods" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/the-practice-of-science/148">The Practice of Science</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/experimentation-in-scientific-research/150">Experimentation in Scientific Research</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/description-in-scientific-research/151">Description in Scientific Research</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/comparison-in-scientific-research/152">Comparison in Scientific Research</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/modeling-in-scientific-research/153">Modeling in Scientific Research</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-data" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-data" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Data </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-data" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-data" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/data-analysis-and-interpretation/154">Data Analysis and Interpretation</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/uncertainty-error-and-confidence/157">Uncertainty, Error, and Confidence</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/statistics-in-science/155">Statistics in Science</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/using-graphs-and-visual-data-in-science/156">Using Graphs and Visual Data in Science</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-scientific-communication" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-scientific-communication" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Scientific Communication </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-scientific-communication" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-scientific-communication" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/understanding-scientific-journals-and-articles/158">Understanding Scientific Journals and Articles</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/utilizing-the-scientific-literature/173">Utilizing the Scientific Literature</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/peer-review-in-scientific-publishing/159">Peer Review in Scientific Publishing</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/process-of-science/49/the-how-and-why-of-scientific-meetings/186">The How and Why of Scientific Meetings</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-scientists-and-research" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-scientists-and-research" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Scientists and Research </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-scientists-and-research" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-scientists-and-research" role="region"> <div class="accordion accordion--secondary"> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-scientific-research" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-scientific-research" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Scientific Research </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-scientific-research" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-scientific-research" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/collaborative-research-in-the-arctic-towards-understanding-climate-change/183">Collaborative Research in the Arctic Towards Understanding Climate Change</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/from-stable-chromosomes-to-jumping-genes/184">From Stable Chromosomes to Jumping Genes</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/an-elegant-experiment-to-test-the-process-of-dna-replication/187">An Elegant Experiment to Test the Process of DNA Replication</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/the-founding-of-neuroscience/233">The Founding of Neuroscience</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/tracking-endangered-jaguars-across-the-border/189">Tracking Endangered Jaguars across the Border</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/atmospheric-chemistry-research-that-changed-global-policy/211">Atmospheric Chemistry Research that Changed Global Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/revolutionizing-medicine-with-monoclonal-antibodies/220">Revolutionizing Medicine with Monoclonal Antibodies</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/uncovering-the-mysteries-of-chronic-mountain-sickness/238">Uncovering the Mysteries of Chronic Mountain Sickness</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-profiles-in-science" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-profiles-in-science" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Profiles in Science </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-profiles-in-science" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-profiles-in-science" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/luis-e.-miramontes/232">Luis E. Miramontes</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/bernardo-houssay/237">Bernardo Houssay</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/craig-lee/256">Craig Lee</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/david-ho/241">David Ho</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/louis-tompkins-wright/244">Louis Tompkins Wright</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/carlos-j.-finlay/217">Carlos J. Finlay</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/cecilia-payne/290">Cecilia Payne</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/jazmin-scarlett/291">Jazmin Scarlett</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/ramari-stewart/292">Ramari Stewart</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/johnson-cerda/300">Johnson Cerda</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/ellen-ochoa/201">Ellen Ochoa</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/ruth-benerito/205">Ruth Benerito</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/franklin-chang-d铆az/219">Franklin Chang D铆az</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/percy-lavon-julian/221">Percy Lavon Julian</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/luis-walter-alvarez/229">Luis Walter Alvarez</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/scientists-and-research/58/france-anne-dominic-c贸rdova/230">France Anne-Dominic C贸rdova</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li>  <button class="button" data-toggle="dropdown">Biology </button> <div class="nav__dropdown box-shadow-1 padding-1"> <div class="accordion accordion--secondary font-size-sm"> <div class="accordion accordion--secondary"> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-sub-button-biological-molecules" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-sub-panel-biological-molecules" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Biological Molecules </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-sub-panel-biological-molecules" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-sub-button-biological-molecules" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/carbohydrates/61">Carbohydrates</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/fats-and-proteins/62">Fats and Proteins</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/biological-proteins/243">Biological Proteins</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/blood-biology-i/242">Blood Biology I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/lipids/207">Lipids</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-sub-button-cell-biology" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-sub-panel-cell-biology" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Cell Biology </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-sub-panel-cell-biology" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-sub-button-cell-biology" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/discovery-and-structure-of-cells/64">Discovery and Structure of Cells</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/respiration/285">Respiration</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/membranes-i/198">Membranes I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/membranes-ii/204">Membranes II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/cellular-organelles-i/195">Cellular Organelles I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/cell-division-i/196">Cell Division I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/cell-division-ii/212">Cell Division II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/membranes-and-chemical-transport/106">Membranes and Chemical Transport</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-sub-button-energy-in-living-systems" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-sub-panel-energy-in-living-systems" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Energy in Living Systems </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-sub-panel-energy-in-living-systems" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-sub-button-energy-in-living-systems" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/energy-metabolism-i/215">Energy Metabolism I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/energy-metabolism-ii/225">Energy Metabolism II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/photosynthesis-i/192">Photosynthesis I</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-sub-button-evolutionary-biology" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-sub-panel-evolutionary-biology" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Evolutionary Biology </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-sub-panel-evolutionary-biology" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-sub-button-evolutionary-biology" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/origins-of-life-i/226">Origins of Life I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/origins-of-life-ii/227">Origins of Life II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/extinction/295">Extinction</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/mass-extinctions/294">Mass Extinctions</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/charles-darwin-i/110">Charles Darwin I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/charles-darwin-ii/111">Charles Darwin II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/charles-darwin-iii/112">Charles Darwin III</a></li> <li class="current">Adaptation</li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/taxonomy-i/70">Taxonomy I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/taxonomy-ii/89">Taxonomy II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/introduction-to-paleoanthropology/258">Introduction to Paleoanthropology</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/the-piltdown-hoax/263">The Piltdown Hoax</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/future-of-human-evolution/259">Future of Human Evolution</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-sub-button-genetics" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-sub-panel-genetics" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Genetics </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-sub-panel-genetics" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-sub-button-genetics" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/inheritance/129">Inheritance</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/independent-assortment/145">Independent Assortment</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/dna-i/149">DNA I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/dna-ii/160">DNA II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/dna-iii/180">DNA III</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/tracking-human-ancestry/248">Tracking Human Ancestry</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/gene-expression/214">Gene Expression</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/population-genetics/249">Population Genetics</a></li> </ul> </div> <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-sub-button-ecology" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-sub-panel-ecology" aria-expanded="false"> <span class="accordion__button__label"> Ecology </span> </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-sub-panel-ecology" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-sub-button-ecology" role="region"> <ul class="nav text-color-link"> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/biodiversity-i/276">Biodiversity I</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/ecosystem-services/279">Ecosystem Services</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/animal-ecology/283">Animal Ecology</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/biodiversity-ii/281">Biodiversity II</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/animal-behavior/286">Animal Behavior</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/population-biology/287">Population Biology</a></li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/trophic-ecology/293">Trophic Ecology</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </nav>  <div id="theTop"></div> <main id="skip-header-content"> <div class="margin-bottom-5"> <article class="container wide module"> <header class="grid grid--sidebar-right module__header"> <div class="module__header__title"> <span class="subcategory"> <strong><em>Evolutionary Biology</em></strong> </span> <h1>Adaptation: <sub><em>The case of penguins</em></sub></h1> <p class="byline">by Iris Saxer, M.A./M.S., Alfred L. Rosenberger, Ph.D.</p> <nav class="module__header__tabs"> <ul class="tabs-nav tabs-nav--horizontal library"> <li> <a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68/reading" aria-current="page" >Reading</a> </li> <li> <a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68/quiz">Quiz</a> </li> <li> <a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68/resources">Teach with this</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </header> <hr class="divider"/>   <div class="grid grid--sidebar-right grid--divider"> <div class="order-2 order-1--lg module__main"> <div class="narrow margin-x-auto margin-y-5"> <div class="accordion margin-bottom-5">  <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-key-concepts" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-key-concepts" aria-expanded="true" tabindex="0"> Did you know? </button> <div class="accordion__panel shown show" id="acc-panel-key-concepts" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-key-concepts" role="region"> <div class="accordion__panel__content"> <p>Did you know that there is a species of moth with a 12-inch long nectar-gathering tongue? Not by coincidence, this moth feeds on and pollinates a kind of orchid that has an 11-inch long nectar-producing tube. Nature abounds with examples of plants and animals that have adapted to their environment over time to ensure the survival of the species.</p> </div> </div>  <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-table-of-contents" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-table-of-contents" aria-expanded="false" tabindex="0"> Key concepts </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-table-of-contents" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-table-of-contents" role="region" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="accordion__panel__content"> <ul class="bulleted"><li><p>Natural selection is the mechanism that explains <i>how</i> organisms change.</p></li> <li><p>The structure of an organism and many of its features are directly related to the environment in which it lives.</p></li> <li><p>Numerous environmental mechanisms, both naturally occurring and man-made, influence adaptive evolution.</p></li> </ul> </div> </div>  <button class="accordion__button" id="acc-button-terms-you-should-know" data-accordion="button" aria-controls="acc-panel-terms-you-should-know" aria-expanded="false" tabindex="0"> Terms you should know </button> <div class="accordion__panel" id="acc-panel-terms-you-should-know" data-accordion="panel" aria-labelledby="acc-button-terms-you-should-know" role="region" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="accordion__panel__content"> <dl> <dt>breed (verb) </dt> <dd> to reproduce; to produce offspring </dd> <dt><a href="/en/glossary/view/environment">environment </a></dt> <dd> the conditions that surround and affect an organism </dd> <dt><a href="/en/glossary/view/species">species </a></dt> <dd> a distinct variety of animal or plant that breed only among their own kind </dd> <dt><a href="/en/glossary/view/trait">trait </a></dt> <dd> a characteristic</dd> </dl> </div> </div> </div> <hr class="border-color-dark" /> <section> <div class="container narrow"> <p>For centuries, human beings have looked at the complexity of the natural world in wonder. From the delicate design of the more than 18,000 <mark class="term" data-term="species" data-term-def="1. In biological classifications, it is the lowest and most basic unit of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy (although it is also&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/species/893">species</mark> of orchids that exist (Figure 1), to the breathtaking flight of birds, humans have struggled to understand what the driving force behind the diversity of life is and why so many remarkably different shapes and features exist in the natural world. </p> <div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-a-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 1:</strong> Butterfly orchid, Encyclia tampensis."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-a.jpg" alt="Butterfly orchid, Encyclia tampensis"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 1:</strong> Butterfly orchid, Encyclia tampensis. <span class="credit">image Â© National Park Service, R. Cammauf</span></figcaption> </figure></div><p>In 1802, the English priest <mark class="term" data-term="William Paley" data-term-def="(July 1743 - 25 May 1805) British philosopher who sought to present a rational basis for the Christian faith. He is&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/Paley%2C+William/5278">William Paley</mark> wrote that the complexity of animals and plants is of "a degree which exceeds all computation," and he argued that only a divine being could have created these <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organisms</mark>.</p><p>Having been educated in England in the early 19th century, <mark class="term" data-term="Charles Darwin" data-term-def="English naturalist and geologist born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (1809-1882). While serving as naturalist aboard HMS Beagle, Darwin developed his theory of&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/Darwin%2C+Charles/4507">Charles Darwin</mark> was not only familiar with Paley's writings, but impressed by them. However, Darwin disagreed with Paley's reasoning. Why would a deity create <mark class="term" data-term="parasite" data-term-def="An organism that lives on or in a host organism of another species. Parasites derive their food from and are detrimental&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/parasite/5272">parasites</mark> that would eat away at the insides of an <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organism</mark>, and what would the purpose be of crafting a bird that could not fly?</p> <p><section id="toc_1" class=""> <h2>The structure of organisms and the environment</h2></p> <p>Darwin knew that other natural historians had begun to ask similar questions during the 18th and early 19th centuries. They had begun the gradual process of figuring out that there was a special connection between <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organisms</mark> and the <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environment</mark>, a kind of fit that explained why particular structural details or patterns exist in nature. For example, why are flowers of a certain shape visited most often by certain moths while others are pollinated by bees, or why do large animals that swim well, whether they are dolphins or alligators or eels or sharks, all have long streamlined bodies?</p><p>The answer is <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptation</mark>, an idea that Darwin absorbed from his predecessors. Two Frenchmen contributed important ideas on adaptation that Darwin worked into his <mark class="term" data-term="theory" data-term-def="A scientific theory is an explanation inferred from multiple lines of evidence for some broad aspect of the natural world and&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/theory/4854">theory</mark> of <mark class="term" data-term="natural selection" data-term-def="The process whereby characteristics that promote survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations, so these characteristics become more frequent&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/natural+selection/11402">natural selection</mark> (see our <a href="/en/library/Biology/2/Charles-Darwin-II/111">Charles Darwin II</a> module for more information). <mark class="term" data-term="Georges Leclerc" data-term-def="French mathematician, naturalist, and biologist, born in Montbard, Côte-d'Or (1707-1788). In 1727, Leclerc discovered the binomial theorem. In the 1730s, he&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/Leclerc%2C+Georges/4570">Georges Leclerc</mark>, who became famous during the middle and late 1800s for compiling information on the habits and geographical distribution of animals and plants, recognized that the differences between related <mark class="term" data-term="species" data-term-def="1. In biological classifications, it is the lowest and most basic unit of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy (although it is also&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/species/893">species</mark> of animals living in different parts of the world reflected the different <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environments</mark> that they occupied. He thought that animals would somehow change after migrating from one place to another. <mark class="term" data-term="Jean Baptiste Lamarck" data-term-def="French zoologist and botanist, born in Bazentine le Petit (1744-1829). While working as a professor of invertebrate natural history at the&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/Lamarck%2C+Jean+Baptiste/4472">Jean Baptiste Lamarck</mark> looked at things from a different perspective. He popularized the idea that the world's environment changed and with it the needs of animals living off of the environment, thus animal's characteristics changed to suit their environment.</p><p>We refer to the adjustments in the fit between <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organisms</mark> and the <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environment</mark> as <em>evolutionary adaptation</em>, or simply <em>adaptation</em>. <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">Adaptation</mark> is the root concept that grew into Darwin's <mark class="term" data-term="theory" data-term-def="A scientific theory is an explanation inferred from multiple lines of evidence for some broad aspect of the natural world and&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/theory/4854">theory</mark> of <mark class="term" data-term="natural selection" data-term-def="The process whereby characteristics that promote survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations, so these characteristics become more frequent&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/natural+selection/11402">natural selection</mark>. Natural selection is the mechanism that explains <em>how</em> things change; adaptation explains <em>why</em> they do.</p></section> <section id="toc_2"> <h2>Adaptation as a result of natural selection</h2><p>Adaptation is based on the concept that <mark class="term" data-term="population" data-term-def="In biology, the population is all individuals of a certain kind of plant or animal that live in a particular habitat.&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/population/8283">populations</mark> of <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organisms</mark> change over time as a result of <mark class="term" data-term="natural selection" data-term-def="The process whereby characteristics that promote survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations, so these characteristics become more frequent&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/natural+selection/11402">natural selection</mark>. Adaptive <mark class="term" data-term="evolution" data-term-def="Change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/evolution/5284">evolution</mark> is driven by increased survivorship and/or increased reproductive success. This happens when a collection of individuals in a population gain an advantage because of special <mark class="term" data-term="trait" data-term-def="A specific characteristic that is genetically determined." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/trait/8271">traits</mark> that they share in common. These traits may be either inconspicuous or quite elaborate. They may, for example, start out as a 2 mm lengthening in the nectar-gathering tongue of a few moths that feed on orchids. If beneficial, over time the tongue may become much longer in that <mark class="term" data-term="species" data-term-def="1. In biological classifications, it is the lowest and most basic unit of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy (although it is also&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/species/893">species</mark> as those individuals and their offspring out-reproduce others. Eventually the long shape becomes the norm, because the long-tongued <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptation</mark>, which allows more efficient feeding, contributes to an increase in reproductive success. </p><p>Darwin himself discovered an orchid with a huge, 11 inch long nectar-producing tube in Madagascar. He predicted that there would be a moth that feeds from the tube with an 11 inch proboscis. Almost 50 years later Darwin's prediction proved true when scientists discovered the moth <em>Xanthopan morganii praedicta</em> with a 12 inch proboscis which fed from, and pollinated, Darwin's orchid (<em>Angraecum sesquipedale</em>). Of course, the ultimate source of an <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptation</mark> like this, and all others, is genetic, because only <mark class="term" data-term="trait" data-term-def="A specific characteristic that is genetically determined." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/trait/8271">traits</mark> that can be passed on from one <mark class="term" data-term="generation" data-term-def="Offspring at the same step in the line of descent from a common ancestor." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/generation/8293">generation</mark> to the next are influenced by <mark class="term" data-term="natural selection" data-term-def="The process whereby characteristics that promote survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations, so these characteristics become more frequent&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/natural+selection/11402">natural selection</mark>.</p><p>Darwin's orchid-and-moth example is one of the more visible cases of <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptation</mark>. One feature of a plant is associated with a corresponding feature of an animal so that both benefit from their interconnected lives in nature. But more generally, <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organisms</mark> are a mass of adaptations that come together to make a particular lifestyle work. Why? Because there are many factors in the <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environment</mark> that are "problems" that require "solutions." The availability of food, predator-prey relationships, and <mark class="term" data-term="climate" data-term-def="Climate describes the average and patterns of a particular area’s weather over time. Climate includes such elements as temperature, precipitation, humidity,&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/climate/9334">climate</mark> all play an important role in selecting "through natural selection" beneficial characteristics.</p> <div class="comprehension-checkpoint margin-y-4"> <h6 class="comprehension-checkpoint__header"> <span> <span class="icon icon-question"></span> </span> Comprehension Checkpoint </h6> <form class="" name="cc5777"> <div class="form-entry"> <div class="form-entry__field"> <span class="form-entry__field__label">Traits that become more widespread in a population over generations are often those that</span> <div class="form-entry__option"> <div class="form-entry__option__radio" data-answer="correct"> <label> <input id="q1-5777-0-option-a" name="quiz-option-5777" type="radio" value="lead to more reproductive success." > <span class="option__label"> <span class="screen-reader-only">a.</span> lead to more reproductive success. </span> </label> <span class="quiz__response" id="response-5777-0"> <strong>Correct!</strong> </span> </div> <div class="form-entry__option__radio" data-answer="incorrect"> <label> <input id="q1-5777-1-option-b" name="quiz-option-5777" type="radio" value="are most likely to be noticed by other members of the species." > <span class="option__label"> <span class="screen-reader-only">b.</span> are most likely to be noticed by other members of the species. </span> </label> <span class="quiz__response" id="response-5777-1"> <strong>Incorrect.</strong> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </section> <section id="toc_3"> <h2>The example of penguins</h2><p>Let's take penguins (Figure 2) as an example. Although the majority of penguin <mark class="term" data-term="species" data-term-def="1. In biological classifications, it is the lowest and most basic unit of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy (although it is also&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/species/893">species</mark> live in temperate <mark class="term" data-term="climate" data-term-def="Climate describes the average and patterns of a particular area’s weather over time. Climate includes such elements as temperature, precipitation, humidity,&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/climate/9334">climates</mark>, some of the penguins we are most familiar with live in the extreme conditions of Antarctica. These flippered, flightless birds provide a wonderful example of multiple evolutionary <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptations</mark>.</p><div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-b-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 2:</strong> There are 17 species of penguins, all living south of the equator. The genus Pygoscelis, which is Greek for âelbow legâ, consists of three species found on islands near the Antarctic mainland, chinstrap (P. antarctica - on the left), Adelie (P. adeliae - on the right), and gentoo penguins (P. papua - not pictured)."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-b.jpg" alt="Adelie and chinstrap penguins"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 2:</strong> There are 17 species of penguins, all living south of the equator. The genus Pygoscelis, which is Greek for âelbow legâ, consists of three species found on islands near the Antarctic mainland, chinstrap (P. antarctica - on the left), Adelie (P. adeliae - on the right), and gentoo penguins (P. papua - not pictured).</figcaption> </figure></div><div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-c-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 3:</strong> Adult penguins have a dense layer of tiny, waterproof feathers that protect them in the water. Penguin chicks are covered in fuzzy, insulating down that is replaced by waterproof feathers as they mature."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-c.jpg" alt="Adult and chick penguins"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 3:</strong> Adult penguins have a dense layer of tiny, waterproof feathers that protect them in the water. Penguin chicks are covered in fuzzy, insulating down that is replaced by waterproof feathers as they mature.</figcaption> </figure></div></section> <section id="toc2_1"><h3>Heat-conserving adaptations</h3><p>One of the most difficult challenges for Antarctic-dwelling penguins is maintaining their body temperature under the vastly different conditions on land, where they live and breed, and in the icy water, where they feed. Like other birds, penguins are <mark class="term" data-term="homeothermic" data-term-def="Of, or pertaining to, the maintenance of a uniform temperature regardless of the temperature of the surroundings. In biology, synonymous with warm-blooded." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/homeothermic/2284">homeothermic</mark>, maintaining a relatively stable body temperature between 35潞 and 41潞 C. However, unlike most other birds, penguins do this in a <mark class="term" data-term="climate" data-term-def="Climate describes the average and patterns of a particular area’s weather over time. Climate includes such elements as temperature, precipitation, humidity,&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/climate/9334">climate</mark> where sea temperatures approach -2掳C and air temperatures can range from 0掳C to a bone chilling -60掳C. </p><p>While <mark class="term" data-term="metabolism" data-term-def="A sequence of biochemical reactions in living organisms that converts food into energy used to drive other biological processes. Also, the&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/metabolism/1606">metabolism</mark> and muscle activity generate body <mark class="term" data-term="heat" data-term-def="A measure of the total internal energy of a substance that can be increased or decreased when objects with different temperatures&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/heat/1506">heat</mark> internally, penguins have unique external <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptations</mark> to help them conserve this heat. To avoid heat loss, they are insulated by a thick layer of fat, or blubber, under the skin. This helps retain heat, just as in whales, seals and other large cold water animals. In addition, penguin bodies are covered by a layer of feathers that are more densely packed than in any other birds. The base of their feathers are also downy, to trap air for better insulation. In addition, penguins have evolved behaviors to keep their feathers in good condition and insulate them from the cold wind and water. They waterproof themselves by <mark class="term" data-term="preening" data-term-def="Cleaning or grooming." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/preening/2285">preening</mark>, which involves spreading special oily secretions from the <mark class="term" data-term="uropygial gland" data-term-def="A gland on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used by&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/uropygial+gland/5274">uropygial gland</mark> at the base of their tail to other areas of their body.</p><p>Penguins have other <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptations</mark> that help them control temperature. An elaborate <mark class="term" data-term="circulatory system" data-term-def="The system of organs and tissues that circulates blood through an organism, including the heart, blood, arteries, and veins." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/circulatory+system/5269">circulatory system</mark> allows them to retain and dissipate <mark class="term" data-term="heat" data-term-def="A measure of the total internal energy of a substance that can be increased or decreased when objects with different temperatures&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/heat/1506">heat</mark> easily. The arteries and <mark class="term" data-term="vein" data-term-def="One of the systems of branching vessels conveying deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body to the heart." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/vein/5276">veins</mark> in their extremities are situated very close together so that they can exchange heat. This is called a "countercurrent" heat exchange system to reflect the to-and-from flow of blood relative to the heart. The layout raises the temperature of blood flowing from the flippers and legs to the body core by drawing it past veins carrying already-warm blood to the extremities. Penguins can also increase blood flow to their flippers in order to cool down when necessary. This is important because not all penguins live in cold <mark class="term" data-term="climate" data-term-def="Climate describes the average and patterns of a particular area’s weather over time. Climate includes such elements as temperature, precipitation, humidity,&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/climate/9334">climates</mark> year round. The Galapagos penguin (<em>Spheniscus mendiculus</em>), for example, lives near the equator where it can get quite hot.</p><div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-d-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 4:</strong> Penguins' feet are poorly insulated and rapidly lose heat, which helps the penguins regulate body temperature: if they get too hot, they can simply expose their feet to rapidly cool off."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-d.jpg" alt="Penguins' feet are poorly insulated and rapidly lose heat"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 4:</strong> Penguins' feet are poorly insulated and rapidly lose heat, which helps the penguins regulate body temperature: if they get too hot, they can simply expose their feet to rapidly cool off.</figcaption> </figure></div></section> <section id="toc2_2"><h3>Behavioral adaptations</h3><p>There are several behavioral <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptations</mark> used by penguins in their constant struggle to maintain a stable body temperature. They shiver to increase metabolic <mark class="term" data-term="heat" data-term-def="A measure of the total internal energy of a substance that can be increased or decreased when objects with different temperatures&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/heat/1506">heat</mark> production, and they pant and expose their feet to get rid of excess heat (their feet are the only part of their body not covered with insulating feathers). Some <mark class="term" data-term="species" data-term-def="1. In biological classifications, it is the lowest and most basic unit of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy (although it is also&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/species/893">species</mark> also seek shelter under rocks to avoid temperature extremes, a logical and simple maneuver when possible. Penguins are territorial by nature; however, the Emperor penguin (<em>Aptenodytes forsteri</em>) has evolved the social behavior of huddling together to share body heat in the harsher conditions of mainland Antarctica, where temperatures below -60掳C have been recorded and gale force winds can approach 200 to 300 km/hr.</p><div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-e-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 5:</strong> Penguins are adapted to swim rapidly and gracefully, in contrast to most other birds."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-e.jpg" alt="Penguin swimming"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 5:</strong> Penguins are adapted to swim rapidly and gracefully, in contrast to most other birds.</figcaption> </figure></div><p>Penguins are <mark class="term" data-term="amphibious" data-term-def="Having the ability to live both on land and in water." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/amphibious/2286">amphibious</mark> birds, feeding only at sea and <mark class="term" data-term="breeding" data-term-def="The production of offspring; the propagation of plants or animals by sexual means." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/breeding/8291">breeding</mark> on land. All three pygoscelid penguins prey primarily on small shrimp-like <mark class="term" data-term="invertebrate" data-term-def="An organism without a backbone. Invertebrates account for 95-99% of all animal species on Earth and include organisms like worms, insects,&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/invertebrate/5270">invertebrates</mark>, called krill, and to a lesser degree on a variety of fish. While they forage at sea, they are under constant threat from their predators, including leopard seals, orcas (killer whales), and occasionally fur seals. Consequently, not only are penguins much more adept at swimming than walking, they even consume one-third less <mark class="term" data-term="energy" data-term-def="An abstract property defined as the capacity to do work. The basic forms of energy include chemical, electrical, mechanical, nuclear, and&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/energy/1497">energy</mark> at sea than on land. On land, penguins tend to inelegantly walk, jump, or toboggan on their bellies, sometimes over long distances, to get to their rookeries, where they breed, or to enter the seas. But in the water they are a marvel of naval engineering. <mark class="term" data-term="buoyant" data-term-def="The ability of an object to rise and stay afloat in a liquid or gas." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/buoyant/8281">Buoyant</mark>, torpedo-shaped bodies and an efficient flipper design allow penguins to "fly" underwater, using their bill, tail, and feet to rapidly change direction pursuing fish or avoiding predators. When traveling long distances, penguins will porpoise, leaping out of the water, to reduce drag and conserve energy.<div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-f-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 6:</strong> Penguin mother with baby. The chick is well protected from the cold, sitting on top the mother's feet, and insulated by her fat and feathers."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-f.jpg" alt="Penguin mother with baby"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 6:</strong> Penguin mother with baby. The chick is well protected from the cold, sitting on top the mother's feet, and insulated by her fat and feathers.</figcaption> </figure></div> <div class="comprehension-checkpoint margin-y-4"> <h6 class="comprehension-checkpoint__header"> <span> <span class="icon icon-question"></span> </span> Comprehension Checkpoint </h6> <form class="" name="cc5855"> <div class="form-entry"> <div class="form-entry__field"> <span class="form-entry__field__label">Even though Emperor penguins are territorial by nature, they huddle together as an adaptation to</span> <div class="form-entry__option"> <div class="form-entry__option__radio" data-answer="incorrect"> <label> <input id="q1-5855-0-option-a" name="quiz-option-5855" type="radio" value="have companionship." > <span class="option__label"> <span class="screen-reader-only">a.</span> have companionship. </span> </label> <span class="quiz__response" id="response-5855-0"> <strong>Incorrect.</strong> </span> </div> <div class="form-entry__option__radio" data-answer="correct"> <label> <input id="q1-5855-1-option-b" name="quiz-option-5855" type="radio" value="stay warm." > <span class="option__label"> <span class="screen-reader-only">b.</span> stay warm. </span> </label> <span class="quiz__response" id="response-5855-1"> <strong>Correct!</strong> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </section> <section id="toc2_3"><h3>Breeding adaptations</h3><p>The <mark class="term" data-term="breeding" data-term-def="The production of offspring; the propagation of plants or animals by sexual means." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/breeding/8291">breeding</mark> <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptations</mark> of penguins also reflect their <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environment</mark>. Most pygoscelid penguins are faithful to both their mate and their nest site, returning to breed in the same spot year after year. They assemble into colonies that can be small, consisting of a few breeding pairs, or quite large, with millions of pairs. The males arrive first and prefer to build the nests, which are made of small rocks piled up in snow-free areas. Females arrive shortly after the males and locate their mate (which may be no easy task among millions of - to us - look-alikes decked out in the same tuxedo). </p><p>Emperor and King (<em>Aptenodytes patagonica</em>) penguins carry their eggs, and very young chicks, on their feet. An odd behavior that certainly makes it more difficult for them to walk, however, a necessary practice to keep their eggs and young warm and prevent them from freezing on cold Antarctic rocks. Emperor penguins breed in the harshest conditions on earth, the Antarctic winter. While the exact reasons for this are not completely understood, many scientists believe that the timing allows the new chicks, who become independent from their parents five months later, to set out on their own during the milder Antarctic summer. It's easy to see how <mark class="term" data-term="natural selection" data-term-def="The process whereby characteristics that promote survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations, so these characteristics become more frequent&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/natural+selection/11402">natural selection</mark> would maximize the <mark class="term" data-term="breeding" data-term-def="The production of offspring; the propagation of plants or animals by sexual means." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/breeding/8291">breeding</mark> success of parent penguins who weaned their chicks just when the <mark class="term" data-term="climate" data-term-def="Climate describes the average and patterns of a particular area’s weather over time. Climate includes such elements as temperature, precipitation, humidity,&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/climate/9334">climate</mark> favored their survival.</p></section> <section id="toc_4"> <h2>Adaptations in other species</h2><p>Penguins are not unique in their <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptations</mark> to the <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environment</mark>. Polar bears evolved white fur because it better conceals them in the arctic. All other bear <mark class="term" data-term="species" data-term-def="1. In biological classifications, it is the lowest and most basic unit of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy (although it is also&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/species/893">species</mark> are brown or black, so we might presume that, among the remote ancestors of today's polar bears, the whiter individuals probably had more hunting success because their prey found it harder to spot them against the snow and ice. Squirrels evolved the behavior of burying nuts during summer and fall seasons to provide them food through the winter. Even the common dandelion has adapted to its environment by producing a characteristic, white fluff (called a pappus) on its seeds to increase their spread, and thus their chances of survival, in the environment.</p><div class="figure"><figure> <a href="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-g-2x.jpg" title="<strong>Figure 7:</strong> The dandelion has evolved a highly effective way of spreading its seeds: wind-born dandelion fluff can travel for miles."> <span class="fa fa-search-plus"></span> <img src="https://www.visionlearning.com/images/figure-images/68-g.jpg" alt="A dandelion"> </a> <figcaption><strong>Figure 7:</strong> The dandelion has evolved a highly effective way of spreading its seeds: wind-born dandelion fluff can travel for miles.</figcaption> </figure></div><p>So, <mark class="term" data-term="William Paley" data-term-def="(July 1743 - 25 May 1805) British philosopher who sought to present a rational basis for the Christian faith. He is&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/Paley%2C+William/5278">William Paley</mark> was not quite right when he suggested that the complexity of the natural world exceeds the capabilities of human calculation. The clue that was missing to him was the concept of <mark class="term" data-term="adaptation" data-term-def="A change that allows an organism to function better in a particular environment." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/adaptation/8284">adaptation</mark>. Darwin put it all together: The features and characteristics that could only be an imponderable source of wonder to Paley actually turned out to be a key to understanding the diversity and complexity of life. That key is adaptation; and all <mark class="term" data-term="organism" data-term-def="Any connected living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. Organisms may be composed of a single cell or&hellip;" data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/organism/2171">organisms</mark>, even human beings, have evolved complex features in response to pressures from their <mark class="term" data-term="environment" data-term-def="The conditions that surround and affect an organism." data-term-url="/en/glossary/view/environment/8270">environment</mark>.</p> </div> </section> <hr class="border-color-dark" /> <footer class="module__footer"> <p class="citation"> <em> Iris Saxer, M.A./M.S., Alfred L. Rosenberger, Ph.D. “Adaptation” Visionlearning Vol. BIO-2 (6), 2005. </em> </p>  <div class="title-list" name="further"> <p class="h6 title-list__title"> Further Reading </p> <ul class="grid grid--column-2--md grid--column-3--md gap-1"> <li> <a class="no-hover-focus height-100" href="/en/library/Biology/2/Charles-Darwin-II/111"> <article class="flex-row align-items-center flex-column--md align-items-start--md height-100 theme-light padding-2 gap-2"> <div class="width-30 width-auto--md"> <img class="border-radius box-shadow-1" src="/img/library/moduleImages/featured_image_111-23061209063155.jpg" alt="Charles Darwin II"> </div> <div class="flex-grow-shrink"> <h2 class="h6 font-weight-normal"> Charles Darwin II: <em>Natural selection</em> </h2> </div> </article> </a> </li> <li> <a class="no-hover-focus height-100" href="/en/library/Biology/2/Charles-Darwin-I/110"> <article class="flex-row align-items-center flex-column--md align-items-start--md height-100 theme-light padding-2 gap-2"> <div class="width-30 width-auto--md"> <img class="border-radius box-shadow-1" src="/img/library/moduleImages/featured_image_110-23061209063142.jpeg" alt="Charles Darwin I"> </div> <div class="flex-grow-shrink"> <h2 class="h6 font-weight-normal"> Charles Darwin I: <em>The Origin of Species</em> </h2> </div> </article> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </footer> </div>   </div>  <div class="order-1 order-2--lg module__tools"> <div class="narrow margin-x-auto position-sticky-top font-size-md"> <div class="padding-2 border-radius box-shadow-1--lg"> <div class="tabs" role="tablist"> <nav> <button class="button button--icon-label" id="tab-button-in-this-module" aria-label="Table of Contents" aria-controls="tab-panel-module__tools" aria-selected="true" role="tab"> <span class="icon icon-list" aria-hidden="true"></span> <span class="button__text">Contents</span> </button> <button class="button button--icon-label" id="tab-button-toggle-terms" aria-controls="tab-panel-toggle-terms" aria-selected="false" role="tab"> <span class="icon icon-glossary-highlight"></span> <span class="button__text">Glossary Terms</span> </button> </nav> <hr class="divider" /> <div class="tabs__panel shown" id="tab-panel-module__tools" aria-labelledby="tab-button-module__tools" role="tabpanel"> <p class="font-weight-bold margin-bottom-1"> Table of Contents </p> <div class="table-of-contents" id="module-toc"> <ul> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc_1">The structure of organisms and the environment</a> </li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc_2">Adaptation as a result of natural selection</a> </li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc_3">The example of penguins</a> </li> <li> <ul> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc2_1">Heat-conserving adaptations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <ul> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc2_2">Behavioral adaptations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <ul> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc2_3">Breeding adaptations</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/en/library/biology/2/adaptation/68#toc_4">Adaptations in other species</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div>   <div class="tabs__panel" id="tab-panel-toggle-terms" aria-labelledby="tab-button-toggle-terms" role="tabpanel"> <div class="reading-toggle"> <div class="reading-toggle__switch"> <div class="form-entry__option__switch"> <label> <input type="checkbox" name="termsToggleSwitch" id="terms-toggle-switch" /> <span class="switch__slider"></span> <span class="option__label text-decoration-none font-size-md"> Highlight Glossary Terms </span> </label> </div> </div> <div class="reading-toggle__help"> <p> <em> Activate glossary term highlighting to easily identify key terms within the module. Once highlighted, you can click on these terms to view their definitions. </em> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tabs__panel" id="tab-panel-toggle-ngss" aria-labelledby="tab-button-toggle-ngss" role="tabpanel"> <div class="reading-toggle"> <div class="reading-toggle__switch"> <div class="form-entry__option__switch"> <label> <input type="checkbox" name="ngssToggleSwitch" id="ngss-toggle-switch" /> <span class="switch__slider"></span> <span class="option__label text-decoration-none font-size-md"> Show NGSS Annotations </span> </label> </div> </div> <div class="reading-toggle__help"> <p> <em> Activate NGSS annotations to easily identify NGSS standards within the module. 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