adaptive pathway A series of small adaptive steps, rather than a single large one, which leads from one adaptive zone across an environmental and adaptive threshold into another adaptive zone. In effect, small changes accumulate so that the organism is virtually pre-adapted (see pre-adaptation) to enter the new zone.

adaptive pathway A series of small adaptive steps, rather than a single large one, which leads from one adaptive zone across an environmental and adaptive threshold into another adaptive zone. In effect, small changes accumulate so that the organism is virtually pre-adapted (see PRE-ADAPTATION) to enter the new zone.

adaptive pathway A series of small adaptive steps, rather than a single large one, which leads from one adaptive zone across an environmental and adaptive threshold into another adaptive zone. In effect, small changes accumulate so that the organism is virtually pre-adapted to enter the new zone.