1. a person who believes that organisms evolve primarily through natural selection and that most traits are adaptive
Usage: biology; evolutionary theory

1. relating to or characteristic of the view that evolution is driven mainly by natural selection and adaptive change
Usage: biology; evolutionary theory

Examples

• The adaptationist argues that the peacock's tail evolved because it attracts mates.
• Many evolutionary biologists adopt an adaptationist perspective when studying animal behavior.
• Critics of adaptationism claim that not all traits are necessarily adaptive.
• The adaptationist school of thought emphasizes the role of natural selection in shaping species.
• Some researchers reject strict adaptationist explanations for complex traits.
• Adaptationist thinking has dominated much of modern evolutionary biology.