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coevolution

[ˌkoʊˌɛvəˈluːʃən]

coevolution Definition

  • 1the process by which two or more species evolve in response to changes in each other over time
  • 2the influence of closely associated species on each other in their evolution

Using coevolution: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "coevolution" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The coevolution of flowering plants and pollinating insects is a classic example of mutualistic coevolution.

  • Example

    The predator-prey coevolution between cheetahs and gazelles has resulted in the cheetah's incredible speed and the gazelle's agility.

  • Example

    The coevolution of humans and dogs has resulted in dogs' ability to understand human gestures and emotions.

coevolution Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for coevolution

  • mutual evolution
  • symbiotic evolution

Phrases with coevolution

  • arms race coevolution

    a type of coevolution where two or more species engage in a competitive escalation of adaptations and counter-adaptations

    Example

    The coevolutionary arms race between predators and prey has led to some of the most extreme adaptations in the animal kingdom.

  • host-parasite coevolution

    a type of coevolution where a parasite evolves to better exploit its host, and the host evolves to better resist the parasite

    Example

    The coevolution between cuckoos and their hosts has resulted in a fascinating evolutionary arms race.

  • mutualistic coevolution

    a type of coevolution where two or more species evolve in a way that benefits both species

    Example

    The coevolution of bees and flowers is a classic example of mutualistic coevolution.

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Summary: coevolution in Brief

Coevolution [ˌkoʊˌɛvəˈluːʃən] refers to the process by which two or more species evolve in response to changes in each other over time. It can result in mutualistic relationships, such as the coevolution of bees and flowers, or competitive escalation, such as the arms race coevolution between predators and prey. Host-parasite coevolution is another type of coevolution where a parasite evolves to better exploit its host, and the host evolves to better resist the parasite.