Learn coevolution with interactive simulations and visualizations. Understand how species reciprocally affect each other's evolution through hands-on examples.
Coevolution is the process by which two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution. This phenomenon occurs when species in close ecological contact exert selective pressures on each other, leading to adaptive changes that influence the evolutionary trajectory of both species.
Interactive visualization showing predator-prey coevolution dynamics
Visualization of plant-pollinator coevolution
Two species begin interacting in a close ecological relationship.
Each species exerts selective pressure on the other.
Species develop adaptations in response to the pressure.
New adaptations create new selective pressures.
Ongoing cycle of adaptations and counter-adaptations.
Select parameters and click calculate to see results
Select parameters and click calculate to see results
Coevolution: Species evolve in response to each other's evolutionary changes, creating reciprocal adaptations.
Parallel Evolution: Similar traits evolve independently in different species facing similar environmental pressures, without direct interaction.
Coevolution: Ongoing reciprocal evolutionary changes between interacting species.
Convergent Evolution: Different species independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.
Coevolution: Adaptive changes in one species trigger counter-adaptations in another species.
Simple Adaptation: Evolutionary changes in response to abiotic factors or general environmental pressures.
The long-spurred orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale) and the Morgan's sphinx moth (Xanthopan morganii) demonstrate a classic coevolutionary relationship. The orchid developed extremely long nectar spurs, while the moth evolved an exceptionally long proboscis to access the nectar, simultaneously pollinating the flower.
Adaptations:
Result: Highly specialized mutualistic relationship with both species dependent on each other.
The relationship between cheetahs and gazelles represents a classic evolutionary arms race. As cheetahs evolved to run faster to catch gazelles, gazelles evolved to run faster and with greater agility to escape t5a.
Adaptations:
Result: Both species maintain similar maximum speeds, with neither gaining a permanent advantage.
The ongoing coevolution between human immune systems and pathogens like malaria has led to significant evolutionary changes in both. The sickle cell trait provides resistance to malaria but also causes sickle cell disease.
Adaptations:
Result: Balanced polymorphism where both resistant and susceptible genotypes are maintained in populations.
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