exaptation

n. a trait that, having evolved to serve one function, is later used for another. For example, feathers may have evolved as cooling or insulating mechanisms and later aided in flying. Also called spandrel. [proposed by U.S. paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould (1941–2002)]

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Psychology term of the day

January 11th 2025

induced color

a color change in a visual field resulting from stimulation of a neighboring area, rather than from stimulation of the part of the field in which the change appears.