I'm looking for a commonly used term to describe a trait that has clear current utility but uncertain evolutionary origin:

• Adaptation implies natural selection.
• Exaptation implies co-option.
• "Aptation" fits the bill, but it seems cryptic and rarely used.

Thank you for your help.

I'm looking for a commonly used term to describe a trait that has clear current utility but an evolutionary origin that is uncertain and that we do not necessarily wish to emphasize in our description (e.g. to avoid unnecessary speculation):

• Adaptation emphasizes an origin driven by natural selection.
• Exaptation emphasizes an origin driven by co-option.
• "Aptation" fits the bill, but it seems cryptic and rarely used.

Thank you for your help.