Which below is an adaptation that favors the survival of an organism?

a. proteins expressing color in butterfly wings mutate to improve camouflaging abilities of butterflies

b. lengths of beaks in a bird population increase to the point birds can no longer groom themselves

c. a ground squirrel population in the forest develops webbed feet for swimming

d. a desert coyote population loses the ability to cope with low water conditions

Ans. (A). Proteins expressing color in butterfly wings mutate to improve camouflaging abilities of butterflies.

Adaptation is described as permanent change in organism due to mutation that leads to better survival of that organism.  

Camouflage helps the butterfly to hide in its surrounding environment to avoid predators. So, if a mutation leads to expression of protein in butterfly's wings that improve camouflage in butterfly will show an adaptation as would lead to increased survival of that butterfly population.

Thus, the correct answer is option (A).

step 1: nitrogen fixation- conversion of atmospheric no₂ into forms useful to plants by lightning, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.

step 2: nitrification-process of converting ammonia to nitrite or nitrate.

step 3: assimilation-plant roots absorb new form of nitrogen.

step 4: ammonification-conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia by bacteria involved in decomposition.

step 5: denitrification-bacteria turns the decomposed matter back into n₂o, which is released into atmosphere; repeat cycle.