Which term best describes inherited traits that increase an organism's chance of survival and help determine its niche?

• A. Mutations
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Adaptations
• D. Speciation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem is asking for a term that describes inherited traits that improve an organism's survival and help define its role in the ecosystem (its niche).
2. Review the provided options: Mutations, Genetic drift, Adaptations, and Speciation. Each term has a specific biological meaning, so we need to evaluate which one fits the description.
3. Define the key terms: Mutations are changes in DNA that may or may not be beneficial. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population. Speciation is the process by which new species arise. Adaptations are inherited traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
4. Match the definition to the question: The question specifies traits that increase survival and help determine an organism's niche. This aligns with the definition of adaptations, as they are traits shaped by natural selection to improve fitness in a given environment.
5. Conclude that the correct term is 'Adaptations' because it directly describes inherited traits that improve survival and define an organism's ecological role.