noun
- a characteristic that evolved for one purpose but later proves useful for a different function
Usage: biology; evolutionary science
Examples
- Bird feathers are considered a preadaptation for flight, having originally evolved for insulation.
- The scientist studied preadaptation in various species to understand evolutionary processes.
- Mammalian hair represents a preadaptation that later facilitated temperature regulation.
- The research focused on preadaptation as a key mechanism in evolutionary biology.
- Many traits we see today arose through preadaptation rather than direct selection for their current function.
- The concept of preadaptation helps explain how complex features can evolve gradually.