Definition: The word "adaptation" can be defined as a state or capacity for adaptation, especially to change or new circumstances in order to survive or thrive. It refers to a response by organisms or systems to changes in their environment. In biology, adaptability is an important trait because it enables animals and plants to evolve over time based on what they encounter through experience and the environment. When something does not fit with its original environment, it adapts by changing how it behaves, such as by growing new tissues for food or adapting to different environments. Adaptation can be divided into two main categories: genetic adaptation and physiological adaptation. Genetic adaptations are specific traits that a species has developed over time, like genes that allow a fish to change its color or shape to avoid predators. Physiological adaptations refer to changes in the way organs and systems work in response to an environment. Adaptation is essential for survival because it allows organisms to adapt to changing environments while still maintaining their genetic identity and reproductive success. For example, some species of birds have adapted to flight by changing feathers that match their wing patterns or by altering how they lay eggs and feed during winter months. In modern times, the study of adaptation has evolved from a focus on biological traits to one that looks at how organisms respond to changes in their environment. This includes fields such as ecology, evolutionary biology, and environmental science, where researchers are studying how species evolve and adapt to changing conditions.

adaptitude