Exaptation
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Exaptation or co-option is a shift in the function of a trait during evolution. For example, a trait can evolve because it served one particular function, but subsequently it may come to serve another
Charles Darwin
Bird feathers of various colors
Evolution
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Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. It occurs when evolutionary processes such as genetic drift and natural selection act on
White peppered moth
Black morph in peppered moth evolution
Male moor frogs become blue during the height of mating season. Blue reflectance may be a form of intersexual communication. It is hypothesised that males with brighter blue coloration may signal greater sexual and genetic fitness.
The common garter snake has evolved resistance to the defensive substance tetrodotoxin in its amphibian prey.