The inability of an organism to adapt to its habitat can lead to

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what happens when an organism cannot adapt to its habitat. We need the outcome of failing to adapt.

Step 2: Explain the concept Adaptation is the process by which organisms develop structural, physiological, or behavioural features that help them survive and reproduce in their environment. Organisms that are well adapted survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes. This is the idea behind natural selection.

If a population cannot adapt, especially when the environment changes (drought, pollution, habitat destruction, new predators), its members die before reproducing. Over time the whole species disappears.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Dormancy: This is a resting state (like seeds or hibernating animals) that helps an organism survive unfavourable conditions. It is itself an adaptation, not a result of failing to adapt.
• B. Adaptation: This is the very thing the organism is unable to do, so it cannot be the result.
• C. Extinction: The complete disappearance of a species. This is the outcome when organisms cannot cope with their habitat.
• D. Survival: This is the opposite of what happens to organisms that fail to adapt.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. extinction.

Tip: Remember the chain: Adapt → Survive → Reproduce versus Fail to adapt → Die out → Extinction. In WASSCE Biology, when you see "inability to adapt," think of extinction, for example dinosaurs and the dodo. Also remember that dormancy is a survival strategy, not a failure.