Question

What is an exaptation?

A. a single mutation that produces a brand-new, fully functional structure in a single step
B. a structure that initially served a different purpose becoming adapted for a new function
C. gradual refinement of a feature for a particular function
D. evolution of new traits through modification of developmental genes

Answer 1

Exaptation refers to a structure that evolved for one purpose and later became adapted for a new function, such as bird feathers originally used for warmth later enabling flight.

Step-by-step explanation:

An exaptation is B. a structure that initially served a different purpose becoming adapted for a new function. This concept describes a feature that originally evolved because it served one particular function, but later came to serve a different purpose.

A classic example of an exaptation is bird feathers, which initially may have evolved for temperature regulation but later became instrumental in flight. Understanding exaptation contributes to our knowledge of how adaptive traits can shift in function over time, which is an essential aspect of evolutionary biology.