What is the definition of adaptation in biology?

Adaptation in biology refers to an inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. These traits can be structural, such as the beaks of birds that have evolved to help them access specific food sources, or behavioral, like migration patterns that improve survival during seasonal changes. Adaptations arise through the process of evolution, where favorable traits become more common within a population over time due to natural selection.

This definition emphasizes the importance of genetic factors in adaptation, as these are traits passed down through generations that provide a competitive advantage. While behavioral changes and physical changes over generations may relate to the concept of adaptation, they do not encompass the full definition, which focuses specifically on inherited characteristics. Knowledge gained through experience, though valuable for survival, pertains more to learning rather than genetic adaptation.