The relationship between adaptation and survival is integral to the process of natural selection. Adaptation refers to the traits that improve an organism's ability to thrive in its environment. Those that possess advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these traits onto future generations. This process leads to the evolution of species as they become better suited for their ecological niches. Without adaptation, species may decline or face extinction in changing environments, underscoring the importance of genetic diversity for long-term survival.