What are adaptations in biological terms?

Adaptations refer to the physical or behavioral modifications that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment. These adaptations can develop over time as a result of evolutionary pressures, allowing species to better compete for resources, evade predators, and thrive in varying conditions. For example, the coloration of a prey species can evolve to provide camouflage in its habitat, reducing the chances of being spotted by predators.

While the other choices touch on aspects of biology, they do not accurately define adaptations. The process of acquiring energy from the sun relates more to photosynthesis and energy flow in ecosystems. Temporary changes in response to environmental stress point to acclimatization, which differs from the longer-term evolutionary changes that define adaptations. Lastly, genetic variations within species over generations pertain to the concept of evolution and natural selection but do not encompass the specific functional modifications that adaptations entail.