The meaning of ‘exceptional’

the meaning of ‘exceptional’

The passage below is from ‘the Blank Slate’ by Steven Pinker.

http://evolbiol.ru/blankslate/blankslate.htm

Genes not only push us toward ?exceptional conditions of mental functioning but scatter us within the normal range, producing much of the variation in ability and temperament that we notice in the people around us...
...In 2001 the complete sequence of the human genome was published, and with it came a powerful new ability to identify genes and their products, including those that are active in the brain. In the coming decade, geneticists will identify genes that differentiate us from chimpanzees, infer which of them were subject to natural selection during the millions of years our ancestors evolved into humans, identify which combinations are associated with ?normal, abnormal, and exceptional mental abilities, and begin to trace the chain of causation in fetal development by which genes shape the brain systems that let us learn, feel, and act.

In this passage there are two ‘exceptional’ which seem to have a bit different meanings.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/exceptional
adj.
1. Being an exception; uncommon:
? This town is exceptional for the region in having a high tax rate.
2. Well above average; extraordinary:
? an exceptional memory.
3. Deviating widely from a norm, as of physical or mental ability:
? special educational provisions for exceptional children.

#1 ‘exceptional’ seems to have #3 meaning since it has the opposing relation with ‘normal’ in the same sentence: that is ‘abnormal.’

#2 ‘exceptional’ makes me write this thread. I have #2 ‘extraordinary’ as the right meaning. But I’m not 100% sure about it.

Hope for your reply.

Regards.