co·ev·o·lu·tion (k   v- -l  shn, - -v-)n. The evolution of two or more interdependent species, each adapting to changes in the other. It occurs, for example, between predators and prey and between insects and the flowers that they pollinate. co ev·o·lution·ar·y adj.co e·volve (- -v lv) v. |
coevolution [kəʊˌiːvəˈluːʃən]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) the evolution of complementary adaptations in two or more species of organisms because of a special relationship that exists between them, as in insect-pollinated plants and their insect pollinators
| coevolution (kv--lshn) The evolution of two or more species that interact closely with one another, with each species adapting to changes in the other. The mutually beneficial development of flowering plants and insects such as bees and butterflies that pollinate them is an example of coevolution, as is the mutually antagonistic development of prey and predator species in which defensive adaptations in the one are matched by counteradaptations in the other aimed at neutralizing or overcoming them. |
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