The tutorial considers a series of points about adaptation. We
look first at the argument to show that natural selection is the
only known explanation of adaptation; and second at whether
natural selection can explain all adaptations, including such
complex organs as the eye. We then look at two definitions of
adaptation, in terms of historical and modern factors. The rest
of the tutorial deals with various adaptive constraints: why
adaptations may not be perfect. - Are there explanations for
adaptation other than natural selection? - Can natural selection
explain all known adaptations? - Why is the study of adaptation
difficult? - How do we study adaptations? - Can an organ change
its function without changing structure? - Is it always
appropriate to describe characters as adaptations? - Is perfect
adaptation possible? - Is there sometimes a trade-off between
different adaptive needs? - How can we recognize adaptations?