Overview
Coevolution describes the process where two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolutionary direction. This isn't a gentle waltz; it's often an arms race, like the predator-prey dynamic where each side evolves better defenses or offenses. Think of the intricate relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators, or the complex molecular battles between hosts and pathogens. Understanding coevolution is key to grasping biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and even the origins of new species. It's a fundamental engine of life's diversification, constantly rewriting the rules of survival and reproduction across the biosphere.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1960s (popularized by Ehrlich & Raven)
- Origin
- Evolutionary Biology
- Category
- Biology & Ecology
- Type
- Concept