
ecological adaptation
Ecological adaptation is the process by which plants, animals, and other organisms develop features or behaviors that improve their chances of survival and reproduction in their specific environment. These changes can occur over many generations through natural selection, where beneficial traits become more common. For example, a fish living in cold waters might develop a thicker layer of fat for insulation. Adaptations help organisms handle challenges like climate, food availability, or predators, ultimately allowing them to thrive in their particular ecological niche.