How does the need to meet basic needs influence adaptation?

Answer 1

It is claimed that giraffes' necks have elongated over a (long) period of time so that they can feed on highly-placed tree leaves. But there are antelope that merely stand on their hind legs to achieve the same feat.

When Columbus et al came to America, re-introducing horses to the North American continent, some of those horses got loose (one way or another) and became feral. During the ensuing 500 years, four "environmentally diverse" adaptations have occurred, two of which are described thus:

The horses that escaped to the desert regions grew sparser coats, longer legs, and thinner torsos.

The horses that escaped to the colder, mountainous regions of America grew thicker coats and shorter forelegs, similar to, but not the same as, goats.

Answer 2

The need to meet basic needs influences adaptation by driving organisms to develop traits or behaviors that enhance their survival. Organisms may evolve characteristics like efficient foraging or predator avoidance to ensure access to resources like food and shelter. Adaptations that meet basic needs increase an organism's chances of reproduction and passing on favorable traits to future generations.