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Exaptation

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

📖 Definitions of "Exaptation"

noun

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."
2
(by extension) The promotion of meaningless or redundant material so that it does new grammatical (morphosyntactic or phonological) or semantic work.

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