title: Exapting exaptation.
abstract: The term exaptation was introduced to encourage biologists to consider alternatives to adaptation to explain the origins of traits. Here, we discuss why exaptation has proved more successful in technological than biological contexts, and propose a revised definition of exaptation applicable to both genetic and cultural evolution.
authors.affiliation: Durham Evolution and Ancient DNA, Department of Archaeology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. greger.larson@durham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Greger
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: Philip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Jamshid J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tehrani
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Layton
mesh_terms: D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D001105:Archaea / Q000502:physiology; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003468:Cultural Evolution; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D009626:Terminology as Topic