What term describes a trait that helps an organism survive in its environment?

The correct answer is adaptation. An adaptation is a trait or characteristic that has evolved over time in a species, enabling it to thrive and survive in its specific environment. These traits can be physical, such as the thick fur of polar bears for insulation against cold temperatures, or behavioral, such as migratory patterns seen in various bird species that help them find food or breeding grounds. Adaptations develop through the process of natural selection, where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to future generations.

When thinking about the other choices, mutation refers to a change in an organism's DNA that can lead to new traits, but not all mutations are beneficial or lead to enhanced survival. Evolution is the overarching process that describes how species change over time, driven by adaptations and mutations, but it does not refer specifically to an individual trait. Instinct involves innate behaviors that organisms are born with, but it does not necessarily describe a physical or genetic trait. Thus, adaptation specifically refers to the traits that enhance survival in a given environment.