Serving a different purpose or goal than originally intended, or moving toward an end result different from one's starting point.
From Greek 'hetero-' (different) and 'telos' (end, purpose). A rare philosophical and biological term used to describe teleological systems with multiple or shifting endpoints.
Evolution is technically heterotelic—organisms aren't moving toward a predetermined goal, but their traits constantly shift toward whatever 'end point' the environment demands, which is actually how life stays flexible and adaptable instead of stuck.
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