Summary
Reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species, such as flowers and their pollinators.
In depth
Interactions can be antagonistic (predator-prey, host-parasite) or mutualistic (yucca and yucca moth; figs and fig wasps). Each species imposes selection on the other.
Coevolution can lead to arms races and tight dependencies.
Reciprocal evolution can be tight (specific pairs, such as figs and their fig wasps, or Darwin's orchid and a moth with a 30 cm tongue he predicted) or diffuse (groups of species). Predator-prey and host-parasite systems often show arms races: newts produce tetrodotoxin and garter snakes evolve resistance, with levels matching geographically.
The Red Queen idea links coevolution to the maintenance of sex. Cheaters appear in mutualisms, such as yucca moths that lay too many eggs, and partners evolve sanctions, for instance plants dropping unproductive fruit. Mitochondria and chloroplasts show an extreme form of mutualism.
Example: in Australia, myxoma virus was introduced to control rabbits in 1950; both virus and rabbits evolved, with the virus becoming less lethal and rabbits more resistant.
Frequently asked questions
What is Coevolution?
Reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species, such as flowers and their pollinators.
Which area of biology covers Coevolution, and how advanced is it?
Coevolution is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Evolutionary Trade-offs, Experimental Evolution, Macroevolution.
Can you give an example of Coevolution?
Madagascar's Darwin's orchid has a very long spur, and Darwin predicted a moth with a long tongue, later discovered.
What should I learn before Coevolution?
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Coevolution. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Coevolution?
The closest topics to Coevolution are Evolutionary Trade-offs, Experimental Evolution, Macroevolution, Red Queen Hypothesis. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Coevolution?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Coevolution. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Coevolution different from Evolutionary Trade-offs?
Coevolution: Reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species, such as flowers and their pollinators. Evolutionary Trade-offs: Improving one trait often costs another, constraining which adaptations can evolve. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Coevolution step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Evolutionary Trade-offs and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.