Coevolution

Rucete ✏ Biology In a Nutshell

1. What Is Coevolution?

• Coevolution is the reciprocal evolutionary change that occurs between two or more species that interact closely.
• One species evolves in response to another, and the second species, in turn, evolves in response to the first.
• This dynamic relationship leads to specialized adaptations in both.

2. Examples of Coevolution

a) Plant and Pollinator Coevolution

• Flowers evolve specific shapes, colors, and scents to attract pollinators
• Pollinators (like bees, birds, bats) evolve to efficiently extract nectar or pollen

b) Plant and Herbivore Chemical Defense

• Plants evolve secondary compounds (toxins or repellents) to deter herbivores
• Herbivores may evolve resistance to these compounds

c) Camouflage (Cryptic Coloration)

• Prey species evolve colors or patterns that blend into their environment
• Predators may evolve better visual acuity to detect them

d) Aposematic Coloration (Warning Colors)

• Prey develop bright, contrasting colors to signal toxicity or danger
• Predators learn to avoid these signals

e) Mimicry

• One species evolves to imitate another, often for protection

i) Müllerian Mimicry

• Two or more harmful species evolve to resemble each other
• Reinforces predator learning: “All of us are bad news!”

ii) Batesian Mimicry

• A harmless species mimics a harmful one
• Gains protection by deceiving predators into thinking it’s dangerous