Summary
Species must constantly evolve just to keep pace with coevolving enemies such as parasites.
In depth
Named after the Red Queen in Through the Looking-Glass: you must run to stay in place. Parasites evolve quickly and track common host genotypes, favouring rare ones, which may explain the advantage of sexual reproduction in generating new genotypes.
Leigh Van Valen proposed it in 1973 from the observation that extinction probability does not fall with the age of a group. Hosts and parasites are locked in an antagonistic arms race. Evidence for the role of parasites in maintaining sex includes New Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus), where sexual populations are common where parasites are abundant, and clones are more infected when common.
The hypothesis also covers predator-prey and competition: species must keep evolving to keep pace with others. In the immune system, MHC and antibody diversity partly result from this race.
Example: in the Red Queen's race, Alice runs and stays in the same place, which describes relative fitness staying constant despite continuous adaptation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Red Queen Hypothesis?
Species must constantly evolve just to keep pace with coevolving enemies such as parasites.
Which area of biology covers Red Queen Hypothesis, and how advanced is it?
Red Queen Hypothesis is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Evolution of Sex, Punctuated Equilibrium, Evolutionary Trade-offs.
Can you give an example of Red Queen Hypothesis?
New Zealand snails (Potamopyrgus) are more often sexual where parasite levels are high.
What should I learn before Red Queen Hypothesis?
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Red Queen Hypothesis. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Red Queen Hypothesis?
The closest topics to Red Queen Hypothesis are Evolution of Sex, Punctuated Equilibrium, Evolutionary Trade-offs, Coevolution. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Red Queen Hypothesis?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Red Queen Hypothesis. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Red Queen Hypothesis different from Evolution of Sex?
Red Queen Hypothesis: Species must constantly evolve just to keep pace with coevolving enemies such as parasites. Evolution of Sex: Hypotheses explain why sexual reproduction persists despite its costs, including the Red Queen and mutation clearance. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Red Queen Hypothesis 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 Evolution of Sex and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.