evolutionary novelty

Evolutionary novelty refers to new traits or features that arise in a species through evolutionary processes, making it different from what existed before. These innovations can include things like new body structures, behaviors, or functions that weren’t present in ancestors. Such novelties often result from genetic changes and natural selection, allowing organisms to adapt to their environment or exploit new ecological opportunities. Over long periods, these novel traits can lead to the development of entirely new species or ways of life, driving the diversity of life we see today.