Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-5nwft Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-05-04T13:25:28.122Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

It's adaptations all the way down

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2003

M. D. Rutherford
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canadarutherm@mcmaster.ca www.science.mcmaster.ca/psychology/rutherford

Abstract

Although antiadaptationist authors encourage us to consider alternatives to adaptationist positions, the alternatives offered do not necessarily relieve us of the burdens of adaptationist explanations. Even if something is an exaptation, it may be derived from an adaptation. If it is a byproduct, it is a byproduct of an adaptation. Even the ELM, the hypothetical exapted learning mechanism, is an evolved learning mechanism, though used outside its natural domain.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2002 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)