What is an adaptation?

An adaptation is indeed a trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction. This concept is fundamental in the study of evolutionary biology, as adaptations result from the process of natural selection. Organisms that possess beneficial traits are more likely to survive in their environments and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.

For example, the long neck of a giraffe is an adaptation that allows it to reach high leaves in trees that other herbivores cannot access, thus providing a food source that helps it survive and thrive in its habitat. Similarly, adaptations can be physiological, such as a camouflaged coloration that allows an animal to evade predators, or behavioral, like migration patterns that help a species find better resources depending on the season.

Understanding adaptations is crucial for comprehending how species evolve over time in response to their environments, which is a key concept within the broader framework of biology and ecology.