Evolution Is an Opportunist-By Wynne Parry and Quanta Magazine

We just talked about theoretical models (and blue moon butterflies) in class, and how they help us make better scientific predictions and help us refine our understanding of, well, how stuff works.  This article talks about using computer models (computational studies) about metabolism, and how they support the idea of evolutionary exaptation.
Exaptations are traits that evolved for one function, but today serve a different function.  For example, feathers (as seen above) may not have originally evolved for flight.  Think about the flightless birds you can list: chickens, turkeys, peacocks, ostriches–they have feathers, but they don’t fly (or not well).  There are wingless ground parrots that still have feathers.  So, then, what functions might feathers serve?  It’s a topic of discussion in my classes.  If they didn’t come about for flight, but are USED for that function today, then they can be considered an exaptation.
In that sense, sure, evolution is an opportunist.  Why not take advantage of something that already exists and can easily be used for a different purpose?  I mean, really, how often to you use a screwdriver to pry something open?

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