adaptation vs exaptation vs non-adaptive

Question 1

adaptation

Answer 1

heritable trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce

Question 2

exaptation

Answer 2

trait of an organism that was originally selected for a specific function, but later serves a different function. (example bird feathers originally evolved for temperature regulation but then adapted for flight

Question 3

non-adaptive

Answer 3

traits that do not contribute to the fitness or survival of an organism (example human wisdom teeth)

Question 4

how do complex traits emerge through cycles of adaptation and exaptation

Answer 4

cycle starts with a trait evolving for one purpose (adaptation) then the trait evolves for a new function (exaptation) this cycle can repeat over generations

Question 5

“a trait can be considered adaptive and exaptive only with respect to a
specific function or purpose”

Answer 5

means that a trait is classified as adaptive or exaptive depending on the context or function of the trait

Question 6

complex traits example

Answer 6

eyes, wings

Question 7

adaptive evolution is not about perfection instead its about

Answer 7

making it to the next generation, compromises