preadaptation
/ˌpriːædæpˈteɪʃən/
noun
- A characteristic or feature that already exists in an organism or system and later becomes useful for a new function or environment.
- In business, having a flexible supply chain can be a preadaptation for handling unexpected demand.
- The plant's deep roots were a preadaptation that helped it survive the drought.
- The feathers of early dinosaurs are considered a preadaptation for flight in modern birds.