Adaptation in biological contexts refers to the process through which organisms develop traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments. This can occur through genetic changes over time, driven by natural selection. Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological, allowing organisms to thrive under varying conditions. For example, desert plants may develop water storage capabilities, while animals might exhibit camouflage. Understanding adaptation helps explain the diversity of life forms and how they respond to environmental pressures, critical in fields like evolutionary biology.