Adaptations
Definition
Adaptations are inherited characteristics that increase an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
Analogy
Consider adaptations as custom tools in a toolbox. If you're trying to fix something specific, like a leaky pipe under your sink, you'd want tools specifically designed for that task - not just any random tool. Similarly, organisms develop specific adaptations suited for their unique environmental challenges.
Related terms
Evolutionary Advantage: A trait that increases an organism's chances of survival or reproduction compared with other members of its species without that trait.
Morphological Adaptation: Physical changes evolved over time that help an organism survive in its environment such as camouflage or mimicry.
Behavioral Adaptation: Changes in behavior evolved over time that help an organism survive such as migration or hibernation.
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