What term is used to describe how organisms protect themselves or adapt to their environment?

The term "adaptation" refers specifically to the characteristics and behaviors that organisms develop over time to survive and thrive in their particular environments. This can include physical traits, such as the color of an animal's fur or the shape of a plant's leaves, as well as behavioral changes, such as migration patterns or feeding habits.

Adaptations can arise as a response to various environmental pressures, such as changes in climate, food availability, or predator presence. By evolving adaptations, organisms increase their chances of survival and reproduction in their specific habitats, showcasing the importance of these changes in the natural world.

While metabolism relates to the biochemical processes within organisms, evolution is a broader concept that encompasses the change in species over time, and mutation refers to changes in genetic material. Adaptation is distinctly focused on the specific features or behaviors that enhance survival in a given environment.