What is the definition of adaptation in biology?

The definition of adaptation in biology refers to an inherited physical or behavioral trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. This concept emphasizes that adaptations are passed down from one generation to the next through genetic inheritance. Over time, these traits become more prevalent in a population, leading to evolutionary changes.

For example, many animals have developed specific adaptations that allow them to thrive in particular habitats, such as the thick fur of polar bears that insulates them against cold temperatures, or the long necks of giraffes that enable them to reach high leaves for food. These traits have evolved because they provide a survival advantage in specific environments.

Other choices provided do not accurately capture the biological concept of adaptation. A learned behavior is not an inherited trait but rather something developed through experience. A temporary response to environmental changes refers more to acclimatization, which does not involve genetic change. The process of natural selection is the mechanism that drives adaptations but does not define what an adaptation itself is. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the term's definition in the context of biology.