preadaptation

noun

pre·ad·ap·ta·tion ˌprē-ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce preadaptation (audio)

: a character or the condition of possessing a character that takes on a function when none previously existed or that differs from its original function : exaptation

This principle of evolution is sometimes called preadaptation. There's no foresight involved, though—simply the lucky coincidence that a feature that evolved to do one thing may turn out later to do another thing even better.

Carl Zimmer

Note: While the newer term exaptation has been widely adopted, preadaptation continues to be acceptable in current usage with both terms showing comparable frequency of usage.

preadapted

ˌprē-ə-ˈdap-təd How to pronounce preadaptation (audio)

adjective

One hypothesis is that hot-blooded dinosaurs were clothed with feathers for insulation and were therefore preadapted for flight.

Alan Feduccia

preadaptive

ˌprē-ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce preadaptation (audio)

adjective

preadaptive structures

单词	preadaptation
释义	preadaptation noun pre·ad·ap·ta·tion ˌprē-ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən : a character or the condition of possessing a character that takes on a function when none previously existed or that differs from its original function : exaptation This principle of evolution is sometimes called preadaptation. There's no foresight involved, though—simply the lucky coincidence that a feature that evolved to do one thing may turn out later to do another thing even better. Carl Zimmer Note: While the newer term exaptation has been widely adopted, preadaptation continues to be acceptable in current usage with both terms showing comparable frequency of usage. preadapted ˌprē-ə-ˈdap-təd adjective One hypothesis is that hot-blooded dinosaurs were clothed with feathers for insulation and were therefore preadapted for flight. Alan Feduccia preadaptive ˌprē-ə-ˈdap-tiv adjective preadaptive structures Word History First Known Use 1958, in the meaning defined above
随便看	gravilea gravimeter gravimeters gravimetric gravimetric analysis gravimetric density gravimetrically gravimetries gravimetry graving graving dock graving piece graving tool gravings graviportal gravit- gravitas gravitases gravitate gravitated gravitater gravitaters gravitates gravitating gravitation

preadaptation

noun

Word History