In evolutionary theory, the physical characteristics, skills, or abilities that increase the chances of reproduction or survival and are therefore likely to be passed along to future generations. go to glossary index

Characteristics that give an organism a better chance of survival.

Traits that increase the fitness of an individual relative to individuals that lack the traits.

Special traits that help living organisms survive in a particular environment. These adaptations may be structural (size and shape or body temperatures, or needs for minerals), or behavioural (differing ways of reacting to the environment).

urutaunga Features of plants and animals that help them survive in their environment. They include: structural adaptations/urutaunga tinana behavioural adaptations/urutaunga whanonga physiological adaptations/urutaunga oropi

Special features that help animals and plants survive harsh conditions. For example, fish have gills that help them adapt to living underwater. Animals that live in cold places have special features that help them survive during winter.

Responses that decrease the negative effects of climate change and capitalise on positive opportunities associated with impacts. Adaptations can be split into 'autonomous' (internal, automatic system adjustments such as evolutionary responses in natural systems) and 'planned' (where a deliberate intervention is made in an attempt to achieve a specific goal, recognising the change in environment). Howden et al (2003).

The ability of a species to survive in a particular ecological niche, especially because of alterations of form or behavior brought about through natural selection.