What defines an adaptation in organisms?

An adaptation is defined as a trait that helps an organism survive within its environment. This can involve structural characteristics, such as a bird's beak shape that allows it to access food more efficiently, or behavioral traits, such as migratory patterns that help animals exploit seasonal resources. Adaptations enhance the organism’s ability to cope with environmental challenges, improve reproductive success, and ultimately contribute to the species' evolutionary fitness.

In contrast, traits that hinder survival would not qualify as adaptations because they do not support the organism's ability to thrive in its habitat. Random traits that are unrelated to survival do not provide advantages and are not considered adaptations either. Additionally, adaptations are observed across all forms of life, including animals, plants, and microorganisms, so the idea that adaptations only occur in plants is not accurate.