Meaning & use
coevolution
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Meanings
noununcountablebiology
The process in which two or more species affect each other's evolution over time, each changing in response to the other.
Grammar: Usually uncountable, followed by of or between: coevolution of flowers and bees.
Patterns
- coevolution of something and something
- coevolution between something and something
The coevolution of flowers and bees explains why many blossoms have bright colors.
Researchers studied the coevolution between predators and their prey.
Coevolution can produce a kind of arms race between parasites and their hosts.
noununcountablefigurative
In a wider sense, any situation where two linked things develop together and shape each other.
Grammar: Used figuratively: the coevolution of technology and society.
The coevolution of smartphones and apps shaped modern life.
Historians describe the coevolution of cities and trade routes.
The coevolution of language and culture is a major topic in anthropology.
Common combinations
- the coevolution of
- The coevolution of plants and insects is fascinating.
- coevolution between
- Coevolution between hosts and parasites drives rapid change.
- drive coevolution
- Competition can drive coevolution.
- evidence of coevolution
- Fossils provide evidence of coevolution.
- mutual coevolution
- The study shows mutual coevolution of the two species.
- study coevolution
- She studies coevolution in tropical plants.
Synonyms and how they differ
- coadaptation
- Refers to traits that fit each other, often within one organism or between close partners, and is narrower than coevolution.
- mutualism
- Describes a relationship where both species benefit, which is only one result of coevolution.
- symbiosis
- Means living closely together, which may or may not involve evolution.
- reciprocal adaptation
- Is a descriptive phrase for the same idea, often used in explanations.
Word family
- coevolve verb
- To evolve together in response to each other.
- coevolutionary adjective
- Relating to coevolution.
- evolution noun
- The gradual change of species over generations.
Commonly confused: coevolution or convergent evolution?
coevolution vs convergent evolution
Unrelated species develop similar traits independently, not in response to each other.
Practice
Which example best illustrates coevolution?
Choose one answer.
Coevolution means species shape each other's evolution over generations; learning, farming and migration do not.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “coevolution”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.