exapted
/ɛkˈsæptɪd/
adjective
- Describing a biological trait that originally evolved for one function but later became useful for a different function.
- Some scientists argue that the brain's ability to read is an exapted skill built on older visual systems.
- Biologists consider the human jaw muscle an exapted feature that now aids in speech.
- The feathers of ancient dinosaurs are exapted structures that later helped birds fly.