English

Noun
exaptation

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

Birds initially developed wings and feathers as a means of heat regulation. The use of wings for flight is an example of exaptation.

References
McGarr?, Paul and Rose, Stephen (editors): The Richness of Life, the essential Stephen Jay Gould; Jonathan Cape (2006) ISBN 0224076078

Category:Biology

id:exaptation

• 2007-07-04 17:50 - AutoFormat - rm spaces after header

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