Exaptation


[eg-zap-tey-shuh n, ek-sap-] /ˌɛg zæpˈteɪ ʃən, ˌɛk sæp-/

noun, Biology.
1.
a process in which a feature acquires a function that was not acquired through natural selection.
2.
a feature having a function for which it was not originally adapted or selected.
3.
a morphological or physiological feature that predisposes an organism to adapt to a different environment or lifestyle.
4.
predisposition toward adaptation.

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