evolutionary trap
An "evolutionary trap" occurs when a species' previously advantageous traits become harmful due to sudden environmental changes.
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Definition
C1Biology
(technical, academic)A situation where an evolved trait of a species becomes harmful to its survival or reproduction due to rapid environmental changes.
Example
- The birds fell into an evolutionary trap when their nesting preferences led them to habitats now filled with predators.
C1Ecology
(technical, academic)A rapid ecological change causing an organism to make harmful decisions about its habitat.
Example
- Due to urbanization, many animals are caught in an evolutionary trap, selecting habitats that are now unsafe.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "evolutionary trap":
monkey trapfall into a trapelephant trapbaby trapevolutionary theory