BioConcepts

nonaptationNichtaptation (ger.)

• A character or feature which is not formed through selection therefore it does not represent an adaption.
  category adaptation

  1992

  [The] potential to contribute sequences for future use is reflected in the suggested terms "potonuons" or "potogenes." [...] If a potonuon remains without function (nonaptive nuon), it is a "nonaptation" and we term it "naptonuon."

  Brosius, J. & Gould, S.J. (1992). On “genomenclature”: a comprehensive (and respectful) taxonomy for pseudogenes and other “junk DNA”. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 10706-10710: 10706.