Adaptation, a term applied in the theory of evolution to the process by which organisms are adjusted to the conditions of their life. Changes in the conditions effect passive modifications of the plant or animal, while variations within the organism are expressed in active adjustment to the outer world. See DARWINIAN THEORY, ENVIRONMENT, EVOLUTION, VARIATION.
Adaptation
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 1: A to Beaufort, p. 50
Source scan(s): p. 0063