adapt
Definition
Adapt means to change in order to fit new conditions. In science, the word adapt is often used to describe how living things change over time to survive in their environment.
Living things are constantly adapting to their environment. For example, a bird might develop a longer beak in order to reach food that is further away. Or, a plant might develop thicker leaves in order to survive in a drier environment.
Adaptation is an important process for living things. It allows living things to survive and reproduce in their environment.
Imagine that you are a fish. You live in a river. The river is your environment. If the river dries up, you will need to adapt in order to survive. You might find a new river to live in, or you might develop a way to breathe air so that you can live on land. In the same way, living things adapt to their environment in order to survive. They change their bodies, their behaviours, or their way of life in order to fit their environment.
How can the word be used?
The plant adapted to the lack of water by developing a thicker cuticle.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
adaptation (no plural form).
the process of adapting or the state of being adapted.
Adjective:
- adaptive.
- able to adapt or adjust to new conditions.
Verb:
- adapt.
- to change or adjust to new conditions.
- to make something suitable for a new purpose.
Etymology
The term "adapt" refers to the ability of insects to change their behaviour or physical characteristics in response to changes in their environment. This ability is essential for insects to survive in a changing world.
Question
Provide an example of how something adapts to its environment.