Which of the following best defines an adaptation in the context of natural selection and evolution?

• A. A behavior learned by an organism during its lifetime.
• B. A random change in an organism's DNA that always leads to a beneficial outcome.
• C. A heritable trait that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
• D. A temporary physiological response to environmental changes.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of adaptation in the context of natural selection and evolution. Adaptations are traits that arise through genetic variation and are passed down through generations because they provide a survival or reproductive advantage in a specific environment.
2. Eliminate options that do not align with the definition of adaptation. For example, a behavior learned during an organism's lifetime is not heritable and therefore does not qualify as an adaptation in evolutionary terms.
3. Consider the role of random changes in DNA (mutations). While mutations can lead to adaptations, they do not always result in beneficial outcomes. This eliminates the option suggesting that all mutations are beneficial.
4. Evaluate the option describing a temporary physiological response to environmental changes. Temporary responses are not heritable traits and do not contribute to long-term evolutionary change, so this option does not define adaptation.
5. Select the option that correctly defines adaptation: 'A heritable trait that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.' This aligns with the principles of natural selection and evolution.