How are affordances defined in relation to the perceiving organism?

Affordances are defined as relationships between the organism and its environment, emphasizing how the physical properties of the environment provide opportunities for action to an organism. This concept, introduced by psychologist James Gibson, highlights that affordances are not simply features of the environment or traits confined to the organism; instead, they exist within the context of the interaction between the two.

For example, a chair affords the action of sitting, but this opportunity is contingent on the characteristics of both the chair and the person intending to use it. This relational perspective underscores that the ability to perceive an affordance depends on both the properties of the environment and the capabilities of the perceiving organism, including its body and skills.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture this dynamic interaction. Static features of the environment focus solely on the characteristics of the environment without considering the organism's role in perceiving and acting on those features. Inherent traits of the organism ignore the environmental context that influences how affordances are perceived. Lastly, focusing solely on past experiences neglects the immediate interaction and context in which affordances are perceived, thereby failing to encapsulate the essence of how organisms interact with their surroundings in real time.