Question

which of the following are definitions of the term adaptation? choose 2 answers: a a mechanism by which organisms that are well suited to their environment become dominant in a population b a change in an organism’s dna that causes the organism to die sooner than it would without the change c a trait with a genetic basis that increases an organisms likelihood of survival and reproduction in its environment d a heritable trait that makes an organism bigger or faster

Explanation:

• Option A: Describes natural selection (organisms well - suited to environment becoming dominant), but in the context of adaptation, it relates to how adaptive traits lead to dominance. However, the core definition of adaptation is about traits. Wait, no—actually, adaptation can also refer to the process where organisms with adaptive traits become dominant. But let's check other options.
• Option B: A DNA change that causes earlier death is a deleterious mutation, not adaptation.
• Option C: A trait with a genetic basis that increases survival and reproduction is a key definition of an adaptive trait (adaptation).
• Option A: The mechanism where well - suited organisms (due to adaptations) become dominant in a population is also related to the process of adaptation in terms of its role in evolution. Wait, maybe I made a mistake earlier. Let's re - evaluate. Adaptation can be the trait (Option C) or the process by which adaptive organisms become dominant (Option A). Wait, no—let's recall: Adaptation is a heritable trait that enhances fitness (survival and reproduction). But also, the process of natural selection (which Option A describes) leads to adaptation. Wait, maybe the question has a bit of a mix. But let's check standard definitions. An adaptation is a trait that increases an organism's fitness (survival and reproduction) (Option C). And the process of natural selection (Option A) is the mechanism by which adaptations become more common. But maybe the question considers Option A as a definition of adaptation in terms of the process. Wait, but let's check the options again. Option B is bad (deleterious change), Option D: Making an organism bigger or faster doesn't necessarily mean it's an adaptation (size or speed alone don't guarantee survival/reproduction). So the correct answers are A and C? Wait, no—wait, the standard definition of adaptation (trait) is Option C. But Option A: "a mechanism by which organisms that are well suited to their environment become dominant in a population"—this is natural selection, but in some contexts, adaptation can be described as the result of this process. Wait, maybe the question is using a broader definition. Let's confirm:

1. Option A: Organisms well - suited (due to adaptations) becoming dominant. This is related to how adaptation spreads in a population.
2. Option C: A trait with genetic basis increasing survival and reproduction. This is the trait - based definition of adaptation.

Option B is a harmful mutation, not adaptation. Option D: Just being bigger or faster isn't an adaptation (e.g., a bigger organism might be more vulnerable to predation or have higher energy needs). So the two correct answers are A and C.

Answer:

A. a mechanism by which organisms that are well suited to their environment become dominant in a population
C. a trait with a genetic basis that increases an organism's likelihood of survival and reproduction in its environment