Define adaptation. Why do organisms adapt? Give an example.

Adaptations afford the organism a better chance to survive in its surroundings. Desert Adaptations. Deserts, where the environment is generally hot and extremely dry, provide many striking examples of how plants and animals are adapted to their surroundings. Plants have many adaptations to cope with the lack of water.

They adapt because they are forced to survive. An example would be certain animals gaining the ability to camouflage to protect themselves from predators.