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Adaptation and Constraint: Overview

  1. Martin Burd

Published Online: 27 JAN 2006

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0004166

Book Title

eLS

eLS

Additional Information

How to Cite

Burd, M. 2006. Adaptation and Constraint: Overview. eLS. .

Author Information

  1. Monash University, Victoria, Australia

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 27 JAN 2006
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Abstract

Adaptations are features of organisms that have evolved to perform fitness-enhancing functions. Some conceivable adaptations or combinations of adaptations do not evolve because constraints (which may vary from lineage to lineage) limit the potential of adaptive evolution.

Keywords:

  • design;
  • fitness;
  • perfection;
  • phylogeny;
  • spandrel;
  • trade-off
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