Acclimatization vs. Acclimation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on February 28, 2024
Acclimatization is the process of an organism adjusting to gradual changes in its environment, while acclimation is a similar adjustment but under controlled conditions.
Difference Between Acclimatization and Acclimation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Acclimatization occurs naturally as organisms adjust to gradual changes in their environment, such as altitude, temperature, and humidity. This process is slow and occurs over time, allowing the organism to maintain optimal performance in new conditions. Acclimation, in contrast, refers to the deliberate adjustment of an organism to a new environment but under controlled, often laboratory conditions. This process is typically quicker, as conditions are artificially adjusted to study physiological responses.
Acclimatization is a natural and gradual process, acclimation is an artificial and often rapid one. Both processes aim to achieve a similar outcome: the organism's adaptation to new environmental conditions.
Acclimatization is crucial for animals and humans who move to new geographic locations with different climates or altitudes, aiding in their survival and maintaining health. Acclimation is often used in scientific research to understand how organisms might respond to environmental changes.
Both acclimatization and acclimation demonstrate an organism's ability to adapt to new conditions. However, the context and speed of these adjustments distinguish them, with acclimatization occurring in a natural setting and acclimation under controlled conditions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of an organism adjusting to gradual changes in its natural environment.
The process of an organism adjusting to new environmental conditions but under controlled conditions.
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Environment
Natural, outdoor environments.
Controlled, often laboratory environments.
Speed of Adjustment
Gradual, over time.
Relatively quick, as conditions are artificially controlled.
Purpose
To maintain optimal performance and survival in new natural conditions.
To study physiological responses and adapt to specific conditions for research purposes.
Example
Humans moving to high altitudes become acclimatized to lower oxygen levels.
Fish acclimated to different water temperatures in a laboratory setting.
Compare with Definitions
Acclimatization
The slow process of becoming accustomed to a new environment.
Plants can acclimatize to varying light conditions slowly.
Acclimation
Artificial adaptation to specific environmental factors for research.
Acclimation of plants in a growth chamber helps study photosynthesis.
Acclimatization
The process of adjusting to gradual environmental changes naturally.
After a few weeks of hiking in the mountains, her body acclimatized to the high altitude.
Acclimation
Controlled process to study physiological responses.
Acclimation experiments help understand how animals adapt to heat stress.
Acclimatization
Natural adjustment to temperature, humidity, or altitude.
Acclimatization to the tropical climate took several months for the researchers.
Acclimation
Adjustment to a new environment under controlled conditions.
The laboratory fish were acclimated to cooler water temperatures for the study.
Acclimatization
Adaptation to a new climate or environment over time.
Migratory birds acclimatize to different regions seasonally.
Acclimation
Rapid adaptation to a controlled setting.
Acclimation allows scientists to observe changes in organisms under varying conditions.
Acclimatization
Gradual adaptation to environmental stressors.
Acclimatization involves physiological changes in the body to cope with heat.
Acclimation
Induced adaptation for experimental purposes.
Through acclimation, researchers can mimic environmental changes in the lab.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization or acclimatisation (also called acclimation or acclimatation) is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a change in its environment (such as a change in altitude, temperature, humidity, photoperiod, or pH), allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. Acclimatization occurs in a short period of time (hours to weeks), and within the organism's lifetime (compared to adaptation, which is evolution, taking place over many generations).
Acclimation
The process of acclimating or of becoming acclimated.
Acclimatization
The physiological adaptation of an organism to changes in climate or environment, such as light, temperature, or altitude.
Acclimation
The process of becoming, or the state of being, acclimated, or habituated to a new climate, surroundings, or situation; especially, acclimatization.
Acclimatization
(biology) The climatic adaptation of an organism that has been moved to a new environment.
Acclimation
(biology) The adaptation of an organism to its natural climatic environment.
Acclimatization
The act of acclimatizing; the process of inuring to a new climate, or the state of being so inured.
Acclimation
The process of becoming, or the state of being, acclimated, or habituated to a new climate; acclimatization.
Acclimatization
Adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment)
Acclimation
Adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment)
Common Curiosities
Is acclimatization only related to temperature changes?
No, acclimatization relates to various environmental changes, including altitude, humidity, and temperature.
What is acclimatization?
Acclimatization is the natural, gradual process by which an organism adjusts to changes in its environment.
Can humans acclimate in a laboratory setting?
Yes, humans can acclimate to certain conditions in a laboratory setting, similar to other organisms, to study physiological responses.
Why is acclimation important in scientific research?
Acclimation is crucial for scientific research as it allows the study of specific physiological responses to controlled environmental changes.
How does acclimation differ from acclimatization?
Acclimation differs from acclimatization in that it occurs under controlled conditions, often rapidly, for the purpose of research, while acclimatization occurs naturally over time.
Does acclimatization affect an organism's genetic makeup?
Acclimatization involves physiological adjustments rather than changes to an organism's genetic makeup.
How long does acclimatization take?
Acclimatization can take from days to months, depending on the organism and the extent of environmental changes.
Do plants undergo acclimatization?
Yes, plants undergo acclimatization, adjusting to changes in light, temperature, and water availability in their natural environment.
Can acclimation help predict how organisms respond to climate change?
Yes, acclimation studies can help predict organismal responses to climate change by simulating future environmental conditions.
Are there limits to acclimatization and acclimation?
Yes, both processes have limits based on the physiological capabilities of the organism and the extent of environmental change.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
