the process and the outcomes
a heritable phenotype improving fitness in an environment
the evolutionary process producing such phenotypes
natruel selection
natruel selection
traits that currently serve an adaptive function but originated in a different context.
feathers in birds were not initially adapted for flight but evolved long before birds could fly, originating from theropod dinosaurs.
the process by which an individual organism adjusts to environmental changes, leading to reversible physiological changes that are not heritable
NON
exaptation and acclimation
untested hypotheses explaining adaptations as the result of natural selection without substantial evidence.
the claim that the flat body of land crabs is an adaptation for navigating between leaves in their habitat
must dterming its function and prove that it inceases fitness in its current environement
assumption
bservational studies correlating traits with fitness benefits and manipulative experimental studies.
examine trait differences among populations or species in relation to variations in presumed selective agents
if local adaptation has occurred, individuals should perform better in their native environment than in a foreign one.
complex
complexe and produces complexe structures
interdependent parts that often emerge through a lengthy evolutionary process involving numerous gradual changes.
exaptation
theoretical organisms that would achieve maximal fitness if they could continuously reproduce without decline, a scenario that does not exist in nature.
variation may be lacking for certain phenotypes/adaptations, suggest a waiting game
Darwinian demons, historical constraints, functional trade-off, trade-offs in investement, environments change and other evolutionary processes may matter
natural selection modifies phenotypes that are already existing from evolution, an organism's evolutionary history can impact future evolution
traits can serve multipule functions and the optimal design for one functions can be different for another function
traits can be coslty to produce and maintain organisms only have finite energy budgets resources invested in one are therefore unavailable for another
Traits that were once advantageous may become maladaptive if the environment shifts, highlighting the lack of foresight in natural selection.
playing catch up
don<t produce attaptaion, maybe by chance, but not usually
linked to variation in fitness, therefore do not produce adaptation, and can caused maladaption