A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is an adaption in biological terms?

1. A harmful change in an organism's environment

2. A characteristic that reduces an organism's survival chances

3. A characteristic that enhances survival in a habitat

4. An inherited trait that is always advantageous

The correct answer is: A characteristic that enhances survival in a habitat

An adaption in biological terms refers to a characteristic that enhances an organism's survival in its habitat. This can include structural features, behaviors, or physiological processes that increase an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment. For example, the thick fur of polar bears is an adaptation that helps them retain heat in frigid climates, while the long neck of a giraffe aids in reaching high foliage for feeding. Adaptations arise through the process of natural selection, where favorable traits become more common in a population over generations. These traits are often the result of genetic variations that provide an advantage in response to a changing environment or specific challenges within a habitat. This concept underlines the importance of adaptations in the evolutionary success of species. While the other options mention negative outcomes or general characteristics, they do not accurately describe the specific role and function of adaptations in the context of an organism's survival and reproductive success in its environment.