What word describes traits or behaviors that improve survival and reproduction?

• A. Mutations
• B. Traits
• C. Adaptations
• D. Behaviors

Answer: (C)

Adaptations are traits or behaviors that help an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. They arise because individuals with advantageous features tend to leave more offspring, so those features become more common over generations. This term covers both physical traits and behavioral strategies, like camouflage that hides from predators or migratory timing that aligns with food availability. It’s a fitting choice because it describes how features can improve fitness, beyond just any trait or any behavior. Mutations are random changes that may or may not be beneficial, traits are a broad label for any characteristic, and behaviors focus only on actions—adaptations combine both physical and behavioral aspects that directly boost survival and reproductive success.