What is the difference between adaptation and evolution?

Can you explain the difference between adaptation and evolution?

Sure! Adaptation refers to the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment, while evolution is the broader change in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Can you give me an example of adaptation?

Of course! A classic example is the peppered moth, which adapted to its environment during the Industrial Revolution by changing color to blend in with soot-covered trees.

And how does that relate to evolution?

Great question! The adaptation of the peppered moth is a result of evolutionary processes, where natural selection favored the darker moths in polluted areas, leading to a change in the population's traits over generations.

So, can adaptation happen quickly?

Yes, adaptations can occur relatively quickly, especially in response to environmental changes, while evolution typically takes longer and involves genetic changes across many generations.