This is an inherited characteristic that increases an organism's chance of survival

Your answer would be adaptation.

Hope that helps! :)

what statement best describes the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for intense physical activity and is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. the parasympathetic nervous system has almost the exact opposite effect and relaxes the body and inhibits or slows many high energy functions.