"Potential precursors" refers to possible earlier forms or stages that can develop into something more advanced or significant in the future. Full definition
In Ferris's lab, Hébrard conducted research on the formation of RNA oligomers — potential precursors of life — on clay minerals believed to be present on the primitive Earth. (sciencemag.org)
Separate studies of rural and urban Head Start systems tested the hypothesis that an emotion - based prevention program (EBP) would accelerate the development of emotion and social competence and decrease agonistic behavior and potential precursors of psychopathology. (cambridge.org)
A sustained period of rate increases, for the reasons mentioned above, is nonetheless seen by many others as a problem for markets and a potential precursor of the next crisis. (cnbc.com)