Final answer:
Adaptation is a heritable trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Cultural adaptation in humans, such as the use of fire, exemplifies the concept of adaptation leading to evolution through natural selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptation refers to a heritable trait or behavior in an organism that contributes to its survival and reproductive success in its environment. In the context of human evolution, cultural adaptation is a form of adaptation that enables humans to better fit their environment through cultural changes, such as the use of fire or the introduction of farming. These adaptations increase the ability of individuals to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes, ultimately leading to evolution through natural selection.
When environmental conditions shift, certain adaptations may become advantageous, allowing the individuals with these traits to reproduce more effectively. This change in the frequency of adaptive traits over time showcases the dynamic and responsive nature of adaptation as part of evolutionary processes. It is important to note that adaptation is always specific to the environment and can involve various forms, from genetic to physiological.