Which term best describes systems that learn and adapt through algorithms and statistical models?

The term that best describes systems that learn and adapt through algorithms and statistical models is Machine Learning. This field focuses specifically on the development of algorithms that enable computers to learn from and make predictions based on data. Machine Learning allows systems to improve their performance on a specific task over time without being explicitly programmed for each scenario.

In this context, Machine Learning encompasses various techniques, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning, which utilize data-driven approaches to optimize model performance. The ability of Machine Learning systems to identify patterns and make data-driven decisions makes them particularly effective for applications in areas like predictive analytics, natural language processing, and image recognition.

While Artificial Intelligence is a broader field that includes not only Machine Learning but also other concepts such as rule-based systems and expert systems, the question specifically highlights the adaptive nature and focus on algorithms, which aligns more precisely with Machine Learning. Information Technology and Unified Communications do not specifically pertain to the learning and adaptation characteristics of systems in the way that Machine Learning does.