Shapeshifting an individual's physiology for environment (Space Whale)

So let's say you have a typical Space Whale: 27 km from stem to stern, an ecosystem for many creatures in and of itself. I feel that I don't need to explain this part... just picture an average space whale and you've probably got it.

So this magnificent creature obviously lives a good long time, and in that time, as it goes through different conditions, it physiologically changes to adapt to its surroundings. For example, in a nebula, its tail may get larger to allow for easy propulsion. Now, as space is a pretty big place, it would need to be able to adapt to a near infinite number of unique situations, so a system where it changes from one predefined state to another probably wouldn't cut it.

So my question is this:

How on a cellular level could this creature pull this off? What would be required for changes within the creature itself to occur in response to unpredicted situations?

posted over 7 years ago

Fraser‭

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