Alteration refers to the process of making changes or modifications to something. This can apply to various contexts, such as clothing, where a tailor adjusts the fit of a garment, or in writing, where an author revises a text to improve clarity or coherence. The goal of alteration is often to enhance functionality or aesthetics. In the context of biology, alteration can describe changes in an organism's genetic makeup, which may occur naturally or through artificial means, such as genetic engineering. These alterations can lead to new traits or characteristics, impacting the organism's development and behavior.