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adapt

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Definition

Adapt means to change or adjust to new or different conditions. In science, adaptation is the process by which organisms change over time to better fit their environment.

There are many different ways that organisms can adapt. Some organisms can change their physical features, such as the colour of their fur or the shape of their beak. Other organisms can change their behaviour, such as the time of day they are active or the way they find food.

Adaptation is an important part of evolution. It allows organisms to survive and reproduce in changing environments.

Here are some examples of adaptation in nature:

The peppered moth: The peppered moth is a type of moth that is found in Europe. In the past, the moth was mostly white, but as pollution increased, the trees that the moth lived on became darker. The moths that were darker were better able to hide from predators, so they were more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, the population of peppered moths became darker.

The finches of Galapagos: The finches of Galapagos are a group of birds that live on the Galapagos Islands. The islands have different types of food, so the finches have adapted to eat different foods. For example, some finches have long beaks that are good for eating seeds, while other finches have short beaks that are good for eating insects.

Adaptation is a complex process, and there is still much that we do not know about it. However, it is clear that adaptation is an important part of life on Earth.

Here are some of the key things to know about adapt:

It means to change or adjust to new or different conditions.

It is an important part of evolution.

There are many different ways that organisms can adapt.

How can the word be used?

The bacteria adapted to the new environment by developing a resistance to the antibiotic.

adapt

Different forms of the word

Noun:

adaptation (no plural form).

the process of adapting or the state of being adapted.

Adjective:

  • adaptive.
  • able to adapt or adjust to new conditions.

Verb:

  • adapt.
  • to change or adjust to new conditions.
  • to make something suitable for a new purpose.

Etymology

The term "adapt" refers to the ability of insects to change their behaviour or physical characteristics in response to changes in their environment. This ability is essential for insects to survive in a changing world.

Question

Provide an example of how something adapts to its environment.

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

How do organisms adapt to their environment?

Answer:

Organisms adapt to their environment in a variety of ways. These adaptations can be physical, behavioural, or physiological.

Physical adaptations are changes in an organism's body that help it to survive in its environment. For example, the fur of a polar bear is white, which helps it to blend in with the snow and ice. This adaptation helps the polar bear to avoid predators and to catch prey.

Behavioural adaptations are changes in an organism's behaviour that help it to survive in its environment. For example, many animals hibernate during the winter. This adaptation helps the animals to conserve energy and to survive in cold temperatures.

Physiological adaptations are changes in an organism's physiology that help it to survive in its environment. For example, the kidneys of a camel are able to concentrate urine, which helps the camel to conserve water in dry environments.

The process of adaptation is often gradual. Over time, organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process of natural selection leads to the evolution of new species.

Here are some additional examples of how organisms adapt to their environment:

  • Camels have long necks that allow them to reach leaves and shoots from tall plants.
  • Snakes have forked tongues that help them to sense the air around them.
  • Tree frogs have sticky pads on their feet that help them to climb trees.
  • The wings of birds allow them to fly, which helps them to travel long distances and to find food.
  • The adaptations of organisms to their environment are a fascinating example of how living things have evolved to survive in the world around them.