What is your definition of "adaptation"?

Question

I see the argument all the time that creatures don't evolve, they adapt. I am wondering what all you believe adaptation entails, i.e behavioral changes, physical changes, etc.

Answer 1

Adaptation is a feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function. Adaptations are well fitted to their function and are produced by natural selection.

Adaptations can take many forms: a behavior that allows better evasion of predators, a protein that functions better at body temperature, or an anatomical feature that allows the organism to access a valuable new resource — all of these might be adaptations. Many of the things that impress us most in nature are thought to be adaptations.

Biological evolution is not simply a matter of change over time. Lots of things change over time: trees lose their leaves, mountain ranges rise and erode, but they aren't examples of biological evolution because they don't involve descent through genetic inheritance.

The central idea of biological evolution is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor, just as you and your cousins share a common grandmother.

Through the process of descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that we see documented in the fossil record and around us today. Evolution means that we're all distant cousins: humans and oak trees, hummingbirds and whales.

Answer 2

Selective adaptation is a function of reproductive frequency and random mutation. If an organism expresses a mutation that gives it an advantage to survive and reproduce and pass along that mutation, then its offspring are also more likely to survive and pass it along. The more often they reproduce, the more likely they will change and evolve over time, adapting to changes in their environment.

It does not mean that an organism can say to itself, "I'd better change or I'll die and not reproduce", then change itself That organism has no control over its future generations.

Answer 3

Physical and behavioral changes will undoubtedly occur in animal life. They adapt to their environment. However; they will always reproduce according to their kind. A dog will give birth to a dog. A cat, a cat. If they successfully breed with a similar kind, the off spring (assuming it survives) will be unable to reproduce. Example: A mule can not reproduce

Answer 4

Yes, this isn't technically my definition, but...
"A particular change in the structure, function or behaviour of a living organism that improves its chances of survival in its environment."
-The AND Dictionary.

It can be reckoned as equal with macroevolution (unless, in my stupidity, I have the wrong one, and I mean microevolution-- it's happened before -_-*).

Answer 5

I'm not sure that I fully understand your question, but I will do my best to answer it.......

I think that they adapt as well.

Answer 6

creation is a definite myth. evolution is a probable truth.