* Development: This refers to the natural progression of an organism's growth and maturation, usually from a less complex to a more complex form. For example, a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
* Adaptation: This refers to changes in an organism's traits that make it better suited to its environment. These changes happen over generations due to natural selection.
* Evolution: This encompasses the gradual change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. While individual organisms don't evolve, their descendants can inherit advantageous adaptations, leading to the evolution of a species.
* Mutation: This is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or have no noticeable effect.
* Injury or Disease: These can cause permanent physical changes to an organism, affecting its structure or function.
So, the term you're looking for depends on the context and type of permanent change you're interested in.
