Adaptation: Any change in the structure or function of an organism which makes it better suited to its environment. For example, the torpedo body shape of a tuna allows for fast swimming in the open ocean.

 

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Adaptation: Tendency of an organism to suit its environment; one of the major points of Charles Darwins theory of evolution by natural selection: organisms adapt to their environment. Those organisms be . . . View Full Definition

Social Adaptation: The ability to live and express oneself according to societys restrictions and cultural demands.

Directed Evolution: A laboratory process used on isolated molecules or microbes to cause mutations and identify subsequent adaptations to novel environments.

Carbro Process: Early color print process using an adaptation of the carbon printing process.

Synoptic Gospels: The three first gospels (Matthew Mark, Luke), which share several textual similarities. Biblical scholars think they might be adaptations from a single lost source known as the Q-Text. This . . . View Full Definition

Taijiquan (Taaigikkyun): Ji: the ultimate The key to the term's meaning is the derivation of the central character Ji (Gik,) shown at right. It's contemporary dictionary translation is 'ultimate' or 'extremity.' Ini . . . View Full Definition

Sprachbund: (Ger. 'speech bond'): A group of languages--often technically unrelated to each other otherwise--that are spoken in the same geographic area or shared by members of the same occupation. Sinc . . . View Full Definition

Exercise: Activity done for the purpose of keeping fit and healthy, or sociable in a group form like football.

Parallel Evolution: The development of similar characteristics in organisms that are not closely related (not part of a monophyletic group) due to adaptation to similar environments and/or strategies of life.

Evolution: 1) The change in life over time by adaptation, variation, over-reproduction, and differential survival/reproduction, a process referred to by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace as natural sel . . . View Full Definition