What is the term for physical or behavioral changes that improve an organism's ability to survive and reproduce?

The term that refers to physical or behavioral changes that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce is adaptations. Adaptations are crucial in the process of evolution, as they develop over time in response to environmental pressures or challenges. These changes can include alterations in body structure, coloration, or even behavioral patterns that give an organism a better chance of finding food, escaping predators, or coping with climate conditions.

For example, a species that develops thicker fur in response to colder environments is showing an adaptation that improves its chances of survival in that climate. Such adaptations arise through the natural selection process, where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce and pass these beneficial traits to their offspring. This concept is fundamental to understanding how species evolve and thrive in diverse environments over generations.