Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Genetic adaptation refers to changes in an organism's genetic makeup that occur over generations, allowing it to better survive and reproduce in its environment.
Species adaptation involves changes at the level of the entire species, while genetic adaptation focuses specifically on changes within an organism's genes.
Mutation: Mutation is a random change or alteration that occurs in an organism's DNA sequence, potentially leading to new genetic adaptations.
Allele Frequency: Allele frequency refers to how often a particular version (allele) of a gene appears within a population.