adaptationism

Noun

Meaning

(evolutionary theory) A set of methods for distinguishing traits resulting from adaptation from those arising through other processes.

(derogatory, evolutionary theory) The belief that all traits are adaptations brought about by natural selection, when some are only functionless by-products (also called "spandrels").

Anagrams

Examples

In Darwin's Dangerous Idea, Dennett showed himself even more willing than Dawkins to defend adaptationism in print, devoting an entire chapter to a criticism of the ideas of Gould. Source: Internet

But adaptationism remains the core of biological thinking." Source: Internet

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