Historical fallacy

Biological Parallel

Feathers evolved for thermoregulation in dinosaurs millions of years before flight—but modern birds use them primarily for aerodynamics and display. Exaptation is ubiquitous: swim bladders (originally respiratory organs) became buoyancy control; jaw bones became mammalian ear ossicles. Evolutionary function shifts constantly; historical origins don't constrain current utility. The genetic fallacy fails in biology because natural selection cares about present fitness, not historical purpose.