Re: Evolution, "adaptation", and what's currently adaptive

Len Piotrowski (lpiotrow@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
Wed, 4 Sep 1996 22:05:46 GMT

In article <50kq53$11dg@argo.unm.edu> mycol1@unm.edu (Bryant) writes:

>[snip]

>Exaptations are adaptations no longer used for the
>original function they served.

If they have no function, how can you tell they were adaptations?

>They are adaptations--just outdated ones,
>or ones being used in novel ways that weren't originally selected for.

If they have a function, then by definition they are adaptations, not
exaptations, neh?

>>At any rate, does the concept of exaptation make all adaptations suspect as
>>pre-suppositions of a "purpose?"

>Hardly. See above.

Cheers,

--Lenny__

>>Cheers,
>>--Lenny__
>>
>>