An adaptation is a trait of an organism that increases                  . a. its fitness; b. its ability to survive and replicate; c. in frequency in a population over many generations; d. A and B are correct; e. A, B, and C are correct

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an adaptation: An adaptation in biology refers to a trait that has evolved through natural selection, enabling organisms to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes more effectively.
2. Analyze option a: 'its fitness' - Fitness in biological terms refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. Consider how this relates to the definition of an adaptation.
3. Analyze option b: 'its ability to survive and replicate' - This directly relates to the concept of fitness and the fundamental aspects of an adaptation, which helps an organism to survive and reproduce.
4. Analyze option c: 'in frequency in a population over many generations' - This option describes the process of evolution, where beneficial traits become more common in a population over time.
5. Evaluate options d and e: Both options are combinations of the previous options. Determine if the combination of these options fully encapsulates the definition and implications of an adaptation.

Key Concepts

Adaptation

Adaptation refers to a trait or characteristic that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. These traits can be structural, behavioral, or physiological, and they arise through the process of natural selection, where advantageous traits become more common in a population over generations.

Fitness

In biological terms, fitness describes an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a given environment. It is often measured by the number of offspring an organism produces that survive to reproductive age. Higher fitness indicates a greater likelihood of passing on genes to the next generation.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their impact on survival and reproduction. Organisms with traits that confer advantages in their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in the frequency of those traits over time.