An adaptation is a change that makes an organism better suited to its environment and more likely to survive and reproduce. Adaptations usually occur due to a change (or mutation) in a gene.

ENVIRONMENT	ADAPTATION (and advantage)
	plant - needles/spines instead of leaves (reduces water loss)
	plant - shallow, widespread roots (takes advantage of limited rainfall)
	plant - waxy layer/cuticle on outer surface of leaf (reduces water loss)
	animal - gets necessary water from food (takes advantage of limited water availability)
	animal - stays in shade or underground during day and becomes active/hunts at night (avoids heat of the day)
	animal - large ears, e.g. jackrabbit (more surface area to give off more heat from body)
	plant - lie close to the ground (reduces water loss due to wind; snow cover may provide some insulation)
	animal - thick fur (reduces heat loss)
	animal - gills (to remove and use oxygen from the water)
	animal - fins (to move through the water)
	animal - wings (to move through the air)