Pre-adaptation
The ability of a species to fit into a newly created habitat because its existing adaptation pattern happens to be suitable. For example, the Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus and the Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius were pre-adapted to the gravel pit habitat, and woodland birds such as the Robin Erithacus rubecula and Blackbird Turdus merula, were pre-adapted to the habitat of suburban gardens.From Peter Weaver's Birdwatcher's Dictionary
Copyright © 1981 by Peter Weaver