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Maladaptation
/ˌmæl.æd.əpˈteɪ.ʃən/noun
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Maladaptation refers to the failure of an organism, system, or behavior to adjust effectively to new or changing conditions, often resulting in harm rather than benefit. This concept is particularly relevant in evolutionary biology and psychology, where it underscores how traits that once conferred advantages can become liabilities in altered environments, such as human societies grappling with rapid technological shifts.
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A striking example of maladaptation is the peacock's elaborate tail feathers, which evolved to attract mates but make the birds more visible to predators, potentially reducing their survival rates by up to 30% in the wild according to studies on avian behavior.
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