An inherited characteristic that increases an organism’s chance of survival is called an adaptation.
Adaptations are traits that have evolved over time through the process of natural selection. These characteristics can be physical, such as the thick fur of polar bears that helps them stay warm in icy environments, or behavioral, like migratory patterns that allow birds to find food in different climates. When organisms possess adaptations that suit their environment, they are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits on to the next generation.