What Does It Mean If Something Is Adaptive?

1 : capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation … adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species … —
adap·​tive | \ ə-ˈdap-tiv , a- \
1 : providing, contributing to, or marked by adaptation : arising as a result of adaptation … left ventricular hypertrophy should not be considered solely an adaptive response to an increased ventricular workload.— Edward D. Frohlich et al. An effort to identify the healthy adaptive need that is being met by a patient's behavior can result in increased empathy for the patient.— Thomas O. Brackett specifically : of, relating to, or being a heritable trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival Webbed feet is an adaptive trait in aquatic animals.
2a : designed or intended to assist disabled persons : assistive adaptive devices
b : engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability adaptive skiing

c : participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for disability an adaptive skier