The difference between adaptation and acclimatization lies in the nature and timeframe of the responses to environmental changes. Adaptation refers to long-term genetic changes in a population that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment over generations, driven by natural selection. In contrast, acclimatization involves short-term physiological or behavioral adjustments by an individual in response to environmental stressors, such as temperature or altitude changes. These adjustments help maintain function without altering the genetic structure of the population. Both processes are important for understanding how organisms cope with changing environments.