How do organisms adapt to new environmental conditions?

Organisms adapt to new environmental conditions through the process of natural selection and genetic mutation.

Natural selection and genetic mutation are the primary mechanisms through which organisms adapt to new environmental conditions. When an environment changes, the traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in the population over time. This process is known as natural selection. It's a key driver of evolution, leading to the development of new species and the extinction of others.

For instance, if a bird species moves to an area with different types of food, individuals with beak shapes better suited to the new food source will have a survival advantage. Over generations, these advantageous traits become more common, leading to a change in the overall beak shape of the population. This is an example of adaptation through natural selection.

Genetic mutation also plays a crucial role in adaptation. Mutations are changes in an organism's DNA and are the source of new genetic variation. Most mutations are neutral or harmful, but occasionally, a mutation can be beneficial, providing the organism with a new trait that enhances its survival or reproduction. If this mutation occurs in a reproductive cell, it can be passed on to the next generation, contributing to the process of adaptation.

For example, bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through genetic mutation. A mutation might alter a protein that the antibiotic targets, making the bacteria immune to its effects. If this mutation is beneficial, the bacteria can reproduce and pass on the resistance to its offspring, leading to a population of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In conclusion, organisms adapt to new environmental conditions through the processes of natural selection and genetic mutation. These mechanisms drive the evolution of species, shaping their traits in response to environmental changes.