Adaptation vs. Acclimatization — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
Adaptation involves long-term evolutionary changes in species, whereas acclimatization refers to short-term physiological adjustments to a new environment.
Difference Between Adaptation and Acclimatization
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Adaptation is a broad evolutionary process where species develop traits over generations to survive and reproduce in their environments. On the other hand, acclimatization happens within the lifespan of an individual organism as it adjusts to changes in its surroundings, such as temperature or altitude.
Adaptations are genetically encoded features that may involve morphology, behavior, or physiology, enabling species to thrive in diverse ecosystems. Whereas acclimatization involves temporary changes that are not inherited but allow individuals to maintain homeostasis in new conditions.
For example, the development of thick fur in Arctic foxes is an adaptation to cold climates, providing insulation. In contrast, a human moving from a temperate to a polar region might acclimatize by developing a higher metabolic rate temporarily to generate more body heat.
While adaptations are the result of natural selection and occur over many generations, acclimatization can occur relatively quickly, sometimes within days to months, depending on the species and environmental pressures.
Adaptation can lead to speciation, where new species emerge due to the significant genetic differences that develop over time. Acclimatization, however, does not lead to new species but rather equips an existing species with the ability to survive temporarily under altered environmental conditions.
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Comparison Chart
Timeframe
Long-term (generations)
Short-term (within an individual's lifetime)
Changes
Genetic modifications
Physiological adjustments
Purpose
Enhance survival and reproductive success
Maintain homeostasis in new conditions
Result
Can lead to speciation
Does not lead to speciation
Examples
Development of wings in birds
Increased red blood cell count in high altitudes
Compare with Definitions
Adaptation
A permanent evolutionary change.
The adaptation of bipedalism in humans facilitated tool use and mobility.
Acclimatization
Temporary change in response to a new environmental condition.
Acclimatization to cold involves shivering and improved metabolism.
Adaptation
A genetic change enhancing survival and reproduction in specific environments.
The adaptation of nocturnal vision in owls allows them to hunt effectively at night.
Acclimatization
Physiological adjustment to a new temperature, altitude, or environment.
Mountain climbers often require several days of acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
Adaptation
An inherited characteristic that increases an organism's chance of survival.
Camouflage is an adaptation that helps animals avoid predators.
Acclimatization
A reversible process occurring within the lifetime of an organism.
Acclimatization can be observed when tropical plants survive a cold spell.
Adaptation
An outcome of natural selection acting on a population.
The adaptation of antibiotic resistance in bacteria shows rapid evolutionary change.
Acclimatization
An individual's ability to adjust to changes in its ecological surroundings.
Acclimatization helps tourists cope with the heat in tropical countries.
Adaptation
The process by which a species becomes better suited to its habitat.
Cactus adaptation involves thick stems for water storage in arid environments.
Acclimatization
An adjustment process that does not alter genetic composition.
Acclimatization to darkness involves dilation of the pupils for better vision.
Adaptation
In biology, adaptation has three related meanings. Firstly, it is the dynamic evolutionary process that fits organisms to their environment, enhancing their evolutionary fitness.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization or acclimatisation (also called acclimation or acclimatation) is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a change in its environment (such as a change in altitude, temperature, humidity, photoperiod, or pH), allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. Acclimatization occurs in a short period of time (hours to weeks), and within the organism's lifetime (compared to adaptation, which is evolution, taking place over many generations).
Adaptation
The act or process of adapting.
Acclimatization
The physiological adaptation of an organism to changes in climate or environment, such as light, temperature, or altitude.
Adaptation
The state of being adapted.
Acclimatization
The act of acclimatizing; the process of inuring to a new climate, or the state of being so inured.
Adaptation
Something, such as a device or mechanism, that is changed or changes so as to become suitable to a new or special application or situation.
Acclimatization
(biology) The climatic adaptation of an organism that has been moved to a new environment.
Adaptation
A composition that has been recast into a new form
The play is an adaptation of a short novel.
Acclimatization
The act of acclimatizing; the process of inuring to a new climate, or the state of being so inured.
Adaptation
Change or adjustment in structure or habits by which a species becomes better able to function in its environment, occurring through the course of evolution by means of natural selection.
Acclimatization
Adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment)
Adaptation
A structure or habit that results from this process.
Adaptation
(Physiology) The responsive adjustment of a sense organ, such as the eye, to varying conditions, such as light intensity.
Adaptation
Change in behavior of a person or group in response to new or modified surroundings.
Adaptation
(uncountable) The process of adapting something or becoming adapted to a situation; adjustment, modification.
Adaptation
(countable) A change that is made or undergone to suit a condition or environment.
Adaptation
The process of change that an organism undergoes to be better suited to its environment.
Adaptation
An instance of an organism undergoing change, or the structure or behavior that is changed.
Adaptation
(uncountable) The process of adapting an artistic work from a different medium.
Adaptation
An artistic work that has been adapted from a different medium.
Adaptation
(sociology) The means by which social groups adapt to different social and physical environments.
Adaptation
The act or process of adapting, or fitting; or the state of being adapted or fitted; fitness.
Adaptation
The result of adapting; an adapted form.
Adaptation
A written work (as a novel) that has been recast in a new form;
The play is an adaptation of a short novel
Adaptation
The process of adapting to something (such as environmental conditions)
Adaptation
(physiology) the responsive adjustment of a sense organ (as the eye) to varying conditions (as of light)
Common Curiosities
How does acclimatization differ from adaptation?
Acclimatization is a short-term physiological response to an environmental change, unlike genetic changes in adaptation.
Can acclimatization become a permanent adaptation?
No, acclimatization is temporary and reversible, whereas adaptation is a permanent evolutionary change.
What are some examples of human acclimatization?
Humans acclimatize to high altitudes by producing more red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery.
How quickly can acclimatization occur?
Acclimatization can occur within a few days to months, depending on the organism and environmental stress.
What is adaptation in biology?
Adaptation in biology refers to evolutionary changes that help a species become better suited to its environment.
Is adaptation only physical?
No, adaptation can also involve behavioral changes, such as migration patterns in birds to avoid harsh climates.
Does adaptation affect a single organism?
No, adaptation occurs across generations affecting entire populations or species.
What role does genetics play in adaptation?
Genetics are crucial as adaptations involve changes in the DNA that enhance survival and reproduction.
Can plants acclimatize?
Yes, plants can acclimatize by adjusting processes like photosynthesis and leaf orientation to better suit their immediate environment.
Can adaptation occur due to a single mutation?
Yes, sometimes a single mutation can lead to a significant adaptation if it provides a substantial survival advantage.
How is acclimatization related to fitness?
Acclimatization temporarily enhances an individual's physiological fitness to cope with new environmental stresses.
Is acclimatization a conscious process?
Acclimatization is not conscious but a natural physiological response to environmental stress.
What is an example of adaptation in plants?
An example is the development of spines in cacti, which are adapted to deter herbivores and reduce water loss.
How does acclimatization help animals?
It allows animals to survive temporarily in environments that differ from their usual habitat by making immediate physiological changes.
What factors drive adaptation in a species?
Natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental pressures drive adaptation in a species.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
