Adaptation
Definition
Adaptation is a process by which organisms become better suited to their environment through changes in traits. These changes occur over many generations and are driven by natural selection.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
- Natural selection is the primary mechanism driving adaptations.
- Not all traits are adaptations; some may be neutral or even maladaptive.
- Adaptations arise due to genetic variations that enhance survival and reproduction.
- The environment plays a crucial role in determining which traits are advantageous.
Review Questions
- What role does natural selection play in adaptation?
- Can you provide an example of a structural adaptation in an animal?
- Why might some traits not be considered adaptations?
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Related terms
Natural Selection: A process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Evolution: The change in the genetic composition of a population over successive generations.
Fitness: The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
