What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

Adaptation, in the context of evolution, refers to a trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment. This process occurs over many generations, where advantageous traits become more common in a population because they provide a better fit for the conditions of that environment. These traits can be physical characteristics, behaviors, or physiological processes that improve an organism's ability to find food, evade predators, or reproduce successfully. As a result, adaptations contribute to the overall fitness of organisms, allowing them to thrive and persist against ecological challenges. The concept of adaptation is central to natural selection, where those individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation.