Coe

volu

tion

The mutual evolutionary influence between two species

Species evolve in response to changes in each other

Symbiotic relationship including:

– Predator/prey

– Parasite/host

– Plant/pollinator

Each party exerts selective pressures on the other

Co-

evol

utio

n

Coe

volu

tion

fly and orchidC

oevo

luti

on

Coe

volu

tion

Bumblebees and the flowers they pollinate have co-evolved so that both have become dependent on each

other for survival.

Coe

volu

tion

Yucca moth and the yucca plant.

Female moth pushing pollen into the stigma tube of the yucca flower while visiting the flower to deposit her eggs.

Yucca moth larvae (left) feeding on seeds in the yucca fruit.

Coe

volu

tion

Clown Fish and Sea anemone

Coe

volu

tion

Praying Mantis camouflaged against leaf

Hides from predators

Eats plant pests, so helps the plant

Coe

volu

tion

Shrimp cleaning Titan triggerfish, Pacific

Ocean

Vid

eos

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/3/quicktime/l_013_07_56.html

Wolfe: Coevolution of horses and plants