Adaptation vs Acclimatization

A long-term, permanent evolutionary change in an organism's genetic makeup that helps it survive in its environment.

• Permanent: Passed to offspring (heritable).
• Population Level: Affects the entire species over generations.
• Example: Cactus spines replacing leaves to reduce water loss.

A short-term, reversible physiological adjustment by an individual organism to a change in its immediate environment.

• Temporary: Reverts when conditions change back.
• Individual Level: Happens to one organism in its lifetime.
• Example: Increasing Red Blood Cells at high altitudes.