Urban evolutionary ecology brings exaptation back into focus.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Ecology
• Urban ecology

Background:

• The role of pre-existing phenotypic variation in adaptation to new environments is recognized.
• Clear communication of evolutionary processes has been a challenge for ecologists.
• Gould and Vrba's 1982 proposal distinguished adaptations from exaptations, aiming to replace 'preadaptation'.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine Gould and Vrba's influential, though debated, terminology.
• To apply their framework to contemporary evolutionary studies.
• To utilize urban evolutionary ecology as a case study for understanding evolution in novel environments.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and synthesis of existing literature.
• Revisiting the definitions and implications of 'adaptations' and 'exaptations'.
• Applying these concepts to the field of urban evolutionary ecology.

Main Results:

• Gould and Vrba's concepts remain relevant and highly cited.
• The proposed framework offers valuable insights into evolutionary processes.
• Urban environments provide a pertinent context for studying contemporary evolution.

Conclusions:

• The distinction between adaptations and exaptations provides a robust framework for evolutionary studies.
• Urban evolutionary ecology can benefit from this integrated conceptual approach.
• Revisiting these ideas aids in understanding how organisms evolve in novel environments.