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Reference Definition:

The process of change in structure and/or function that makes an organism or a population better suited to survive in an environment. Adaptation may be achieved by phenotypic tuning to prevailing environmental conditions, or through evolutionary changes of genetic structure at the population level.

Source:
Koski, V. et al. 1997. EUFORGEN. IPBRI.

see also adaptability

Other definitions:

adaptation (L. ad, to + aptare, to fit)

Adjustment of a population to changed environment over generations, associated (at least in part) with genetic changes resulting from selection imposed by the changed environment. Not acclimatization.

Source:
Zaid, A. et al. 1999. Glossary of biotechnology and genetic engineering. FAO Research and Technology Paper No. 7. ISBN 92-5-104369-8 http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/X3910E/X3910E00.htm

 

adaptation
A measure of the fitness of the genetic group – either individuals or parts of individuals, or as groups – to one or several conditions of its environments. Frequently used to mean the process of becoming suited in form or function to new or different environmental conditions.

(Adaptation is the process of becoming adapted).

Source:
A Glossary of Plant Genetic Resources Terms (English/Arabic). International Board for Plant Genetic Resources. .

 

adaptation
A change on the part of the individual or the population which results in better survival or growth. The process of change. The changed structure or function.

Source:
Genetics of Forest Tree Improvement. FAO.

 

adaptation
The process of evolutionary (genetic) adjustments fitting individuals or groups to their environment. Also the changed structure or function itself. (2) A tree’s performance over a full rotation in a new environment. (see adapted, land race, evolution, mutation)

Source:
Glossary of Terms Used in Forest Tree Improvement. Field Manual No. 6 (RAS/91/004) UNDP/FAO Regional Project on Improved Productivity of Man-Made Forests Through Application of Technological Advances in Tree Breeding and Propagation. FAO, 1994.

 

adaptation
In AnGR: The complex of traits related to reproduction and survival of the individual in a particular production environment. Adaptation traits contribute to individual fitness; they are the traits subjected to selection during the evolution of animal genetic resources. By definition, these traits are also important to the ability of the animal genetic resource to be sustained in the production environment. (Based on FAO, 1999)

Source:
Zaid, A. et al. 1999. Glossary of biotechnology and genetic engineering. FAO Research and Technology Paper No. 7. ISBN 92-5-104369-8 http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/X3910E/X3910E00.htm.