How do living organisms react to environmental changes?

Living organisms react to environmental changes predominantly by adapting or perishing. When the environment changes, organisms must either adjust to the new conditions—a process known as adaptation—or they may not survive if they cannot cope with the changes. Adaptation can take various forms, including behavioral changes, physiological adjustments, or even evolutionary developments over generations.

For instance, species may develop new traits that help them better utilize available resources or escape threats in their environment. In contrast, if an organism is unable to adapt appropriately, it may face extinction, highlighting the critical nature of adaptability for survival in changing climates, habitats, or ecological dynamics.

In contrast, the options about reproducing or increasing in size do not directly address how organisms respond to environmental changes. While reproduction is crucial for continuation of a species, it does not inherently represent a response to environmental change. Remaining inactive is also not a viable response as most organisms must react in some manner to survive under changing conditions.