Adaptive - GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Adaptive?

In GCSE psychology, being adaptive is when an individual's physical or psychological characteristics can change to fit different situations and environments. Being adaptive increases that individual's chances of survival and successful reproduction.

Darwin’s theory of evolution is an example of organisms being adaptive. This is based on the idea that humans (and other animals) seek to promote their genes using the mechanisms of adaptation to ensure their survival. Certain traits can make humans more adaptive, such as being disease-free. Non-verbal behaviour can also be deemed adaptive, for example, wrinkling of the nose or gagging to avoid breathing in potentially dangerous substances which may decrease chances of survival.