Co-Evolution Flashcards
What is co-evolution?
The reciprocal influence of two or more species on each other’s evolution through natural selection.
Define symbiosis.
A close, long-term biological interaction between two different organisms.
What could co-evolution be summarised as?
the idea that nothing evolved on it’s own
What are the three main types of symbiosis?
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism.
What is mutualism?
A long-term interaction where both species benefit.
What are the types of mutualism?
- Obligate for both species
- Obligate for one species
- Facultative for both species
Give an example of a rule-breaking mutualism. What does it look like?
The sabre-tooth blenny.
-looks like cleaner fish
What is commensalism?
An interaction where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Define parasitism.
An interaction where one organism (the parasite) lives on or in another (the host), causing harm.
What adaptations do parasites typically have?
Structural or behavioral adaptations to enhance their survival and reproduction.
How do predators and prey co-evolve?
Predators evolve to catch prey more effectively, while prey evolve to escape more successfully.
What is a consequence of predator-prey interactions?
An evolutionary arms race.
What is competition in ecology?
The struggle between organisms for the same resources.
What are the two types of competition?
- Intraspecific (within a species)
- Interspecific (between species)
What are colonial organisms?
Organisms composed of many physically connected, interdependent individuals.
(many individuals living together).
Can colonial organisms be unicellular or multicellular?
Yes, they can be either.
What is an example of mutualism?
Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.
Provide an example of commensalism.
Barnacles attaching to a whale.
Give an example of parasitism.
Tapeworms living in the intestines of mammals.
What is an example of a predator-prey arms race?
Cheetahs evolving faster speeds while gazelles evolve better agility.
What is an example of interspecific competition?
Lions and hyenas competing for the same prey.
Name one study related to co-evolution in mutualistic networks.
Guimarães et al. (2017) - “Indirect effects drive coevolution in mutualistic networks.”
What does Lunau’s (2004) study focus on?
Adaptive radiation and co-evolution in pollination biology.
What is the focus of Whitehead’s (2017) research?
Gene-culture coevolution in whales and dolphins.
What is the definition of a symbiote?
Any member of a symbiotic relationship, which can be the same or different species.
What is an evolutionary arms race?
A situation where two species continuously evolve adaptations and counter-adaptations against each other.
How does intraspecific competition differ from interspecific competition?
Intraspecific competition occurs within a species, while interspecific competition occurs between different species.
What are the benefits of mutualism?
Both species gain advantages, which can be critical for their survival.
How does parasitism affect the host?
It causes some level of harm to the host organism.
Why is understanding co-evolution important in ecology?
It helps explain the complex interactions and dependencies among species in ecosystems.
