Editing Kryptonian (section)

==Physiology and powers==
Kal-El can lead an alter ego as Clark Kent because Kryptonians appear identical to humans. Also, in both Silver Age and Modern Age continuity, Kryptonians have more than one ethnic group, such as dark-skinned Kryptonians from Krypton's Vathlo Island that resemble Earth humans of [[West Africa|West African]], [[Negrito]], [[Melanesians|Melanesian]], and [[Indigenous Australian]] descent and a group from the continent of Twenx that resemble Earth humans of [[North Africans|North African]], [[Middle Eastern people|Middle Eastern]], [[Asian people|Asian]], [[Micronesians|Micronesian]], [[Polynesians|Polynesian]], [[Native American peoples|Native American]], and [[Latin Americans|Latino]] descent. This is all due to [[convergent evolution#Primates|convergent evolution]]. In the first stories about Superman's origins, all Kryptonians possess on their homeworld the same powers Superman has on Earth. In later depictions, their abilities are attributed to the differences between Earth's gravity and that of Krypton and the different radiation of the stars they orbit. Kryptonians use solar energy from yellow, blue, orange or white stars on the cellular and molecular levels to gain superhuman abilities. The light of dwarf stars, pulsars, and quasars also grants Kryptonians different abilities.<ref>''[[Superman: Earth One]]''</ref> Some stories also maintain that Kryptonians have bioelectric fields that surround their bodies and protect them from harm<ref>''All-Star Superman''</ref> and which are the means by which Kryptonians fly. Certain individuals (including [[Conner Kent]], [[Chris Kent (character)|Chris Kent]], and some [[Phantom Zone]] criminals) possess "tactile [[telekinesis]]", which allows Kryptonians to lift and manipulate large objects whose own structural strength might not otherwise survive the process. The abilities of Kryptonians evolve and grow more powerful as Kryptonians age and develop.<ref>''[[Smallville]]''</ref>

In some continuities, mating between Kryptonians and other species is difficult because Kryptonian DNA is so complex as to be nearly incompatible with that of other species. The only notable exception is represented by the original native [[Daxamite]] population (the race that bore that name before intermingling with the Kryptonian explorers, who later adapted the name for themselves). Breeding between Kryptonian explorers and this race created a new Kryptonian hybrid race that could interbreed with a larger number of humanoid races—including Earth humans. No other races are yet known to exhibit the same degree of compatibility of the native Daxamites. However, in some continuations humans are not only able to reproduce with Kryptonians, but are able to create fertile offspring with them.<ref>''Superman'' (vol. 2) Annual #14 (2009)</ref>

Superpowered Kryptonians are vulnerable to [[kryptonite]], radioactive remnants of Krypton, magic and solar radiation from red and orange suns. They are also vulnerable to physical attacks from beings native to Krypton essentially in proportion to their vulnerability in non-powered situations. In addition Kryptonian beings are vulnerable to infection from viruses or bacteria native to Krypton.