IGCSE Biology glossary
Adaptive feature
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
An inherited feature that helps an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What to include in an exam answer
The two paying words examiners want are 'inherited' and 'survive and reproduce' (not just 'survive'). Students lose marks describing a behaviour or a feature that develops during life rather than one passed on in the genes. This definition links directly to natural selection and is commonly asked at the start of Paper 4 ecology or selection questions.
Example in context
Defining the term for a desert plant: 'A thick waxy cuticle is an adaptive feature because it is an inherited feature that reduces water loss and helps the plant survive and reproduce in a dry environment.'
Related syllabus topic
Variation & selection