In biology, what general term describes an inherited trait that helps an organism survive and successfully reproduce within its particular environment?

Explanation

An adaptation, in a biological context, is an inherited trait, whether physical or behavioral, that has developed over successive generations because it helps an organism survive and successfully reproduce within its particular environment. Adaptations can take an enormous variety of forms, ranging from a physical feature like a polar bear’s thick insulating fur suited to a cold climate, to a behavioral pattern like certain birds migrating seasonally to more favorable conditions. Over sufficiently long periods of time, the gradual accumulation of beneficial adaptations within a population is a central part of the broader process of evolution through natural selection. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.