What's the difference between adaptation and evolution?
1 Answer
Adaptation is the process of adjusting something to better match it's environment or situation.
Evolution is a broad term that refers to any change in anything over time.
Explanation:
Adaptation:
Adaptation mostly occurs in living things, but nonliving things can be adapted by the living.
For example, a millionaire lives a very luxurious life. If that millionaire is stranded on a desert island, he will not be able to sleep until noon and also survive. This is called adapting.
In contrast, a scientist may develop a theory. That theory is not likely to be 100% accurate the first time. It will need to be adapted as more facts are discovered relating to her theory.
Evolution:
When the general public thinks of evolution, they probably think of:
- Charles Darwin
- Convergent Evolution
- Divergent Evolution
- Vestigial Traits
These are all parts of macro evolution (the change of one species into two or two becoming like one). Micro evolution is any sort of change in something (With the exception of those encompassed by the macro variety).
This picture shows the evolution of the coke bottle. Because it is a bottle from beginning to end, this is micro evolution. If the bottle became a can, that would be macro evolution.
Adaptation and Micro Evolution may be similar, but they are different.
