adaptation biology

Adaptation in biology refers to the process by which organisms develop physical features, behaviors, or traits that improve their chances of survival and reproduction in their specific environments. These changes can occur over many generations through natural selection, where beneficial traits become more common. For example, a dolphin's streamlined body helps it swim efficiently, or a cactus's thick, spiny skin reduces water loss in desert conditions. Adaptations are essential for species to thrive in their habitats and are a key mechanism of evolution, shaping the diversity of life on Earth.