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

Answer is Adaptation.

Adaptation an inherited characteristic that increases survival and reproduction, the result of the evolutionary process and natural selection. The special feature or behavior that makes an organism to live successfully in its environment. It is a part of the evolutionary process which increase an organism’s chance of survival and reproduce.  

Adaptation can be structural (a physical trait that enable an organism to compete for resources or evade predators) or behavioral (change in behavior that increases an organism’s ability to survive or find a mate).  

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.

b. lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere   is the answer most likely