Final answer:
The characteristic displayed when a species changes to adapt to the environment is evolution, which occurs through natural selection and leads to adaptations that enhance survival and reproductive success. (option 2 is the correct answer).
Step-by-step explanation:
When a species changes to adapt to the environment, it displays the characteristics of evolution. This process involves adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. These adaptations are a result of natural selection acting upon the inheritable traits within a population.
As environments change, these traits can change over time to better suit the new conditions. An example of such adaptation is the way certain desert plants have evolved to retain water in arid environments.
Evolutionary adaptation is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms that allows species to thrive in diverse environments. Understanding this process provides insights into the dynamic relationship between organisms and their surroundings, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.