Definitions for exaptation
exap·ta·tion

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. exaptationnoun

   The use of a biological structure or function for a purpose other than that for which it initially evolved.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Exaptation

   Exaptation and the related term co-option describe a shift in the function of a trait during evolution. For example, a trait can evolve because it served one particular function, but subsequently it may come to serve another. Exaptations are common in both anatomy and behaviour. Bird feathers are a classic example. Initially they may have evolved for temperature regulation, but later were adapted for flight. When feathers were first used to aid in flight, that was an exaptive use. They have since then been shaped by natural selection to improve flight, so in their current state they are best regarded as adaptations for flight. So it is with many structures that initially took on a function as an exaptation: once molded for a new function, they become further adapted for that function. Interest in exaptation relates to both the process and products of evolution: the process that creates complex traits and the products (functions, anatomical structures, biochemicals, etc.) that may be imperfectly developed. The term "exaptation" was proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Elisabeth Vrba, as a replacement for 'pre-adaptation', which they considered to be a teleologically loaded term.

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Exaptation

   Exaptation, co-option, and preadaptation are related terms referring to shifts in the function of a trait during evolution. For example, a trait can evolve because it served one particular function, but subsequently it may come to serve another. Exaptations are common in both anatomy and behaviour. Bird feathers are a classic example: initially these may have evolved for temperature regulation, but later were adapted for flight. Interest in exaptation relates to both the process and products of evolution: the process that creates complex traits and the products that may be imperfectly developed.

How to pronounce exaptation?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

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   Fred

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   Tessa

   South African

How to say exaptation in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of exaptation in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of exaptation in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

References

1. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Exaptation
2. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exaptation
3. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=exaptation