ahartell comments on Open Thread, November 1-15, 2012 - Less Wrong

4 Post author: OpenThreadGuy 02 November 2012 02:11AM

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Comment author: ahartell 04 November 2012 12:11:45AM 3 points [-]

I think I remember reading something on less wrong about scientists debating the utility of chins before realizing that they were just a natural consequence of other adaptations. It related this to a similar situation in architecture. I was recently trying to recall the architectural term to apply the same idea to something unrelated, but came up blank and then failed to find the old post. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Comment author: RobinZ 04 November 2012 12:21:31AM 6 points [-]

Spandrel, perhaps? In architecture it refers to the extra space between an arch and a flat ceiling that is often filled with decorations.

Comment author: ahartell 04 November 2012 12:51:11AM 2 points [-]

That's exactly it. Thank you.