For example, if an organism senses a predator through sight or sound, its nervous system can trigger a "fight-or-flight" response, preparing the body for immediate action. In a more subtle adaptation, the nervous system helps organisms learn from experience, improving their ability to navigate challenges in the future. This ability to process information and make quick decisions is key to survival, as it helps organisms find food, avoid danger, reproduce, and ultimately thrive in their environment.
Moreover, the nervous system enables organisms to adapt over time to their surroundings. This adaptability can be seen in learned behaviors, such as animals altering their foraging strategies based on past experiences, or humans developing skills to navigate new technologies. In all cases, the nervous system's ability to detect and respond to environmental changes is central to survival and adaptation.