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

October 10th 2024

Werdnig–Hoffmann disease

see spinal muscular atrophy. [Guido Werdnig (1862–1919), Austrian neurologist; Johann Hoffmann (1857–1919), German neurologist]