What term describes the process of an organism adapting to its environment over time?

The process of an organism adapting to its environment over time is referred to as evolution. Evolution encompasses the changes in the genetic composition of populations over successive generations, driven by factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. As species face different environmental pressures, those individuals with traits better suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to gradual changes in the population's characteristics. This ongoing process results in the adaptation of organisms over time, allowing them to thrive in their specific habitats.

Other terms like migration, mutation, and reproduction refer to different concepts. Migration involves the movement of individuals from one location to another, which may impact gene flow but does not directly describe adaptation. Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can generate variation within a population. Reproduction is the process by which organisms produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of their species. While all these processes can influence evolution, it is specifically evolution that describes the overarching process of adaptation over time in response to environmental challenges.