adaptive landscapes

Adaptive landscapes are a conceptual tool used to visualize how populations evolve over time in response to their environments. Imagine a hilly terrain where each hilltop represents a successful trait or strategy for survival. As conditions change, organisms may "climb" to new peaks (successfully adapting) or fall into valleys (less successful traits). The landscape illustrates the relationships between genetic variation, fitness, and environmental factors, helping us understand the dynamic nature of evolution. This concept emphasizes that adaptation is not just about survival but also about navigating a complex array of possibilities in a changing world.