Dictionary

preadaptation

noun pre·ad·ap·ta·tion \ˌprē-ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən\

Definition of PREADAPTATION

:  a character of an organism or taxonomic group that takes on a function when none previously existed or that differs from its existing function which has been derived by evolution; also :  the possession of one or more such characters
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First Known Use of PREADAPTATION

1886

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