Path-dependent

Path-dependent
/pɑːθ-dɪˈpɛndənt/ (adj.)

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Of a circumstance, that its coming about can only be explained by the sequence of events and contributing factors that lead to it; that it cannot be justified or explained by reference only to existing conditions.

The way things turned out depended on the coincidental interaction and juxtaposition of unrelated factors in the ecosystem.

The classic case is of course evolution by natural selection: re run the tape from the beginning and you would not get the same result.

See also

• Evolution