biology - 2.2c - co-evolution Flashcards
What is co-evolution?
The process by which two or more species evolve in response to selection pressures imposed by each other.
What does a change in traits of one species act as?
A selection pressure on the other species.
Where is co-evolution frequently seen?
In pairs of species that have symbiotic interactions.
What can the impacts of these relationships, symbiotic interactions, be?
Positive, negative or neutral for the individuals involved.
What are types of symbiotic interactions?
Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
What is symbiosis?
Co-evolved intimate relationships between members of two different species.
What mutualism?
Both organisms in the interaction are interdependent on each other for resources or other services. As both organisms gain from the relationship, the interaction is (+/+).
What is commensalism?
Only one of the organisms benefits (+/0).
What is parasitism?
The parasite benefits in terms of energy or nutrients and the host is harmed as the result of the loss of these resources (+/-).
What does the Red Queen hypothesis state?
That, in a co-evolutionary relationship, change in the traits of one species can act as a selection pressure on the other species.
What must the species do to avoid extinction?
Species in these relationships must adapt.
